VNLOK sues Meta over illegal gambling ads in the Netherlands
Dutch gambling trade association VNLOK filed a lawsuit against Meta and asked the European Commission to investigate the platform group's handling of illegal gambling advertising. VNLOK said about 95% of gambling ads on Facebook and Instagram in the last quarter of 2025 promoted unlicensed operators, while Meta removed fewer than 5%; it is seeking possible sanctions under the Digital Services Act.
The lawsuit and investigation request could intensify scrutiny of Meta’s handling of illegal gambling advertising in the Netherlands.