The Dutch Gambling Authority (KSA) is ramping up its efforts to combat illegal gambling promotions, particularly on social media platforms. In April 2026, the authority filed over 4,600 reports with Meta regarding illicit gambling ads found on Facebook and Instagram. These actions underscore the KSA’s ongoing commitment to tackling illegal gambling in the Netherlands, especially advertisements linked to unlicensed operators.

Intensified Efforts to Combat Illegal Gambling Ads

The KSA’s crackdown is a direct response to the growing prevalence of unlicensed gambling ads, often targeting unsuspecting users through social media. Many of these ads use recognizable logos and names of popular Dutch athletes or well-known brands to falsely enhance the credibility of illegal gambling providers. This practice makes it challenging for consumers to distinguish legitimate licensed operators from illegal ones, leading to concerns about consumer protection.

The KSA has expressed particular concern about the volume of these ads reaching large audiences through platforms like Facebook and Instagram. As part of its strategy to mitigate this issue, the KSA has intensified its reporting efforts, filing numerous complaints with major media companies to ensure quicker removal of such ads. The authority’s focus on this issue aligns with its broader goal of curbing the activities of offshore gambling entities operating outside the jurisdiction of Dutch law.

As stated on the regulator’s website, addressing illegal gambling ads requires cooperation from multiple sectors, which is why the KSA works closely with public authorities, private sector companies, and platform representatives. The authority recently held a meeting with these stakeholders to share insights and strategies on how to tackle the issue more effectively. One key topic of discussion was how to protect trademarks and prevent the exploitation of famous Dutch figures in these illicit campaigns. The KSA plans to use the insights from these discussions to strengthen its enforcement efforts moving forward.

In addition to its collaboration efforts, the KSA has previously reported significant strides in combating illegal ads across various platforms. For instance, in 2025, a joint initiative with other authorities led to a reduction in illegal gambling advertisements found in Google search results. The regulator also reported that it found approximately 50,000 illegal gambling ads each month through social media channels last year.

Underage Gambling Ads Remain a Key Issue

Another significant challenge facing the KSA is the issue of underage gambling, particularly the targeting of individuals under 24 years old. In 2023, the Dutch government introduced a ban on untargeted gambling ads, which prohibits marketing aimed at minors and young adults. A recent study focusing on 277 ads from Meta’s Ad Library revealed that 11.2% of the gambling ads targeted younger age groups, specifically individuals between the ages of 18 and 23. While licensed operators generally complied with age restrictions, non-compliant ads were more prevalent among offline license holders.

This issue has sparked ongoing debate, with some lawmakers suggesting a full ban on gambling ads in the Netherlands. However, such a proposal has received opposition from industry groups, including VNLOK, the trade body representing the gambling sector. According to Björn Fuchs, the chairman of VNLOK, a total advertising ban could drive gambling activity back into the black market, undermining the country’s current regulatory framework.

The KSA’s recent actions reflect the broader challenges facing the Dutch gambling market, particularly as the government considers potential changes to its advertising policies. The coalition government’s 2023 agreement hinted at exploring a full ban on gambling ads, a move that some believe could curb problematic gambling behavior. However, others warn that such a ban may have unintended consequences, such as pushing gambling activity further underground, making it harder to regulate.