An investigation reportedly found that 52 of 150 gambling websites tested sent visitor data to Meta through its Pixel tool before users could consent or refuse. The reported data included pages visited and actions taken; Iain Duncan Smith called for stronger enforcement of data protection rules.
Operators may face scrutiny over whether tracking tools share users’ personal data before consent.
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The chair of the Dutch gambling regulator KSA has suggested authorities prepare for possible legal action against social media platforms that fail to tackle illegal gambling advertising. Michel Groothuizen said the KSA would keep seeking voluntary cooperation while preparing potential legal measures, warning that proceedings could take years and have uncertain outcomes. He said European regulators have a joint task force with Google and Meta that is working on an EU-wide whitelist of licensed operators.
The chair of the Dutch gambling regulator Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) has suggested that authorities should prepare for possible legal action against large social media platforms that fail to tackle illegal gambling advertising, while continuing to seek voluntary cooperation. Michel Groothuizen made the suggestion in a piece published on the regulator's website.
VNLOK chairman Björn Fuchs said the Dutch betting trade body has clear evidence of failures by Meta that let audiences be drawn to illegal gambling content. Speaking at the Gaming in Spain Conference, he described the Dutch challenge as one that will affect all European markets.
Reportedly, the Dutch gambling authority has opened talks with Google and Meta and other European regulators on curbing illegal online gambling. Its strategy covers restricting access to illegal platforms, blocking payment flows and holding large technology companies to account, while sanctions remain an option.
The Dutch gambling authority, KSA, has opened talks with Google and Meta and with other European regulators on ways to curb illegal online gambling. The strategy set out by KSA chair Michel Groothuizen covers making access to illegal gambling platforms harder, blocking payment flows and holding large technology companies to account. Sanctions against the platforms remain an option, the report said.
The KSA said it will first seek voluntary agreements with Meta and Google to address adverts for illegal gambling in the Netherlands. Chairman Michel Groothuizen said around 90% of users use regulated offerings, while illegal gambling spend rivals licensed-sector revenues. The authority is also targeting payment processors and online visibility, and has begun work with Google on a whitelist of EU-licensed operators.
The Netherlands Gambling Authority (KSA) has criticised Meta and Google over adverts for illegal gambling operators, with chair Michel Groothuizen saying the regulator will first seek voluntary agreements with the technology companies before considering legal action. The KSA's position was reported on 15 October 2026.
The Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) is working with Google and Meta to curb advertising by unlicensed gambling operators, including through a proposed EU-wide whitelist of authorised operators. KSA president Michel Groothuizen said the regulator may pursue legal action if voluntary measures do not deliver sufficient results.
The Dutch gambling regulator Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) is working with Google and Meta to limit advertising by unlicensed gambling operators, including through a proposed whitelist of authorised operators across the European Union. KSA president Michel Groothuizen set out the approach in remarks published on 14 October 2026, saying the regulator may take legal action if voluntary measures do not produce sufficient results.