VNLOK, the Dutch association of licensed operators, has summoned Meta to court over mass placement of illegal gambling ads on Facebook and Instagram. The organisation said Meta removed only 11% of flagged ads in May and 15% in June, despite repeated warnings.
On Monday VNLOK called the lawsuit a 'final step' in its legal dispute with the platform. The association is demanding recognition that Meta has failed to meet obligations under the EU Digital Services Act, which requires large platforms to actively block unlawful content. According to VNLOK, over 70,000 gambling ads appeared on Meta's platforms in Q4 2025. More than 95% were placed by unlicensed operators.
Regulator Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) confirmed it sent Meta thousands of complaints about illegal ads each month throughout 2025.
The Dutch parliament is preparing to vote on a motion granting KSA powers to fine digital platforms that ignore repeated notices about illegal gambling advertising. The initiative by MP Bart Bikkers and colleagues from the VVD party aims to create a legal basis for sanctions against platforms.
VNLOK backed the motion but called on the regulator to act immediately. Association head Fuchs said KSA already has the necessary authority and should not wait for legislative changes. He stressed the problem extends beyond Meta: unlicensed operators banned on one platform simply reappear on another.
Minister Claudia van Bruggen said Meta and Google are open to dialogue with the government. The platforms will provide reports on illegal ads every six months. The minister maintains the issue requires an EU-level solution through the Digital Services Act.
