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VNLOK takes legal action against Meta over Dutch gambling adverts

Enforcement & compliance

Dutch trade association VNLOK has taken legal action against Meta and filed a formal complaint with the European Commission, alleging that Facebook and Instagram carried illegal online gambling adverts aimed at users in the Netherlands. VNLOK estimated that more than 70,000 gambling adverts appeared on Meta platforms in the final quarter of 2025 and said unauthorised operators were responsible for over 95%; the KSA reported submitting thousands of complaints to Meta each month in 2025.

The action raises compliance and enforcement concerns for platforms carrying gambling adverts in the Netherlands.

Earlier fines and penalties by KSA

DateCompanyAmountStoryAppeal status
Vave.comEUR 3,082,000KSA fines Vave.com operator €3.082m for unlicensed Dutch gamblingNot stated
ChestoptionEUR 3,082,000KSA fines Chestoption €3.082m for unlicensed gambling targeting Dutch playersNot stated
PolymarketEUR 420,000Dutch regulator imposes €420,000 penalty on PolymarketNot stated
Smart Gaming, BetnationNot statedKSA warns Smart Gaming over Betnation self-exclusion failuresNot stated
Smart Gaming, BetnationNot statedKSA warns Smart Gaming over missed Cruks checks in the NetherlandsNot stated

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Regulation

VNLOK takes Meta to court over gambling ads targeting Dutch users

Dutch gambling association VNLOK has taken legal action against Meta and complained to the European Commission over online gambling advertisements targeting users in the Netherlands. VNLOK said Meta platforms carried more than 70,000 gambling-related ads in Q4 2025, with over 95% placed by unlicensed operators; the KSA has also reported thousands of complaints to Meta each month in 2025.

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