The Dutch gambling trade organization VNLOK has initiated legal proceedings against Meta, claiming that Facebook and Instagram have become significant platforms for the distribution of illegal gambling advertisements, thereby contributing to the expansion of the black market in the Netherlands.
VNLOK has lodged a complaint with the European Commission, asserting that Meta has not adequately addressed the widespread promotion of unlicensed gambling operators on its platforms. The association represents licensed online gambling businesses in the Netherlands and contends that Meta has ignored its obligations under the European Union’s Digital Services Act (DSA), despite multiple warnings regarding the presence of illegal gambling ads.
Research conducted by VNLOK revealed that in the last quarter of 2025, an average of 70,000 gambling advertisements aimed at Dutch consumers were displayed on Meta’s platforms. Alarmingly, over 95% of these ads were found to promote unlicensed operators, with Meta reportedly removing less than 5% of them.
Björn Fuchs, Chairman of VNLOK, emphasized that the issue transcends competition with licensed operators, stating, “This is not only an economic issue but also a significant threat to consumer protection. Illegal operators do not follow addiction prevention regulations and actively target vulnerable groups, including minors and individuals with gambling problems.”
The association estimates that the illegal gambling market has surpassed €1 billion ($1.15 billion) in annual wagers, making it roughly equivalent in size to the regulated sector.
VNLOK is seeking a court ruling to declare that Meta has violated the DSA and is responsible for the illegal gambling content on its platforms. The organization is also requesting a court order mandating Meta to enhance its systems for detecting and preventing illegal gambling advertisements, along with financial penalties for non-compliance.
In addition, VNLOK has urged the European Commission to investigate Meta's practices and consider enforcement actions under the DSA.
This legal action coincides with a separate lawsuit in California, where Meta faces similar allegations regarding gambling advertising. Earlier this month, a California resident filed a lawsuit claiming that Meta’s advertising systems led him to illegal sportsbook promotions and a fraudulent gambling operation named “Gwin Sportsbook.”
The lawsuit accuses Meta of using user data and online behavior to target gambling-related advertisements and alleges inadequate screening of gambling advertisers. This is not the first time Meta’s advertising algorithms have faced scrutiny; a jury in Los Angeles previously ordered Meta and Google to pay $6 million for employing techniques similar to those used by slot machine manufacturers to enhance user engagement.