Dutch Gambling Trade Group Sues Meta Over Illegal Betting Ads
Dutch gambling trade association VNLOK has launched legal action against Meta, accusing the company of allowing illegal gambling ads to spread across Facebook and Instagram. The group has also filed a complaint with the European Commission, arguing that Meta is failing to meet its obligations under the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA).
VNLOK, which represents licensed online gambling operators in the Netherlands, says its research found around 70,000 gambling ads targeting Dutch users during the last quarter of 2025. According to the association, more than 95% of those ads promoted unlicensed operators, while fewer than 5% were removed by Meta.
VNLOK chairman Bjorn Fuchs said:
This is not only an economic problem, but above all a major risk to consumer protection. Illegal providers do not adhere to rules regarding addiction prevention and actively target vulnerable groups such as minors and problem gamblers.
The association estimates that the Dutch black market now handles more than €1 billion in annual bets, making it roughly the same size as the regulated market.
VNLOK wants the court to rule that Meta violated the DSA and order the company to improve its systems for detecting and removing illegal gambling ads. It also asked the European Commission to investigate Meta and consider enforcement measures.
The case comes as Meta faces similar criticism in other countries, including Australia, Brazil, Malaysia and the UK. The company is also defending a separate lawsuit in California over claims that its advertising systems promoted illegal sportsbook content.
