_{Helma Lodders, chair of VNLOK, stresses the importance of responsible gambling practices. (Image: Wikipedia)}

In a significant move for the Dutch gambling industry, trade associations NOGA and VNLOK have unveiled "Meld Vals Spel" (Report Cheating), a dedicated portal aimed at reporting unsafe practices associated with illegal gambling websites and apps.  

VNLOK, representing licensed online casino operators in the Netherlands, along with NOGA, the Netherlands Online Gambling Association, has taken the initiative to raise awareness about illegal gambling activities that pose risks to players. 

The newly launched portal is designed to facilitate better enforcement against these unauthorised platforms, ensuring a safer environment for Dutch gamblers.

Platform Designed for Reporting Unsafe Practices 

The platform is designed for members of VNLOK and NOGA, other licensed operators, partner organisations, and relevant stakeholders to report unsafe practices associated with illegal gambling sites and apps.

The initiative enables users to report instances where gambling websites fail to adhere to safety regulations, offer excessive bonuses, or permit minors to participate. By collecting these reports, the 'Report Cheating' centre aims to gather critical insights into the operation of illegal gambling platforms, facilitating effective intervention to safeguard vulnerable players.

Unregulated Operators Circumventing Dutch Regulations 

Helma Lodders, chair of VNLOK, and Eric Konings, acting director of NOGA, stressed the importance of responsible gambling practices. 

They state, “Licensed providers of online gambling share a collective responsibility to ensure that players have access to a legal, safe, and responsible gaming environment. 

"While we are committed to upholding these standards, the challenge remains as many Dutch citizens are increasingly exposed to illegal gambling sites. These unregulated operators are innovatively circumventing Dutch regulations—advertising keywords like 'playing without limits' to attract at-risk players. 

"Such predatory practices undermine player safety and demand decisive action.” 

Studies Reveal Use of Fraudulent Logos and Names to Mislead Consumers 

The new reporting centre complements the ongoing efforts of the Netherlands Gambling Authority (KSA) by not only raising awareness about the dangers of illegal gambling but also ensuring that violations are addressed with sufficient severity. The insights generated through reported incidents will allow for targeted actions to mitigate associated risks and enhance player protection.

Recent studies reveal that illegal gambling sites frequently employ deceptive tactics, such as using fraudulent logos and names to mislead consumers into believing they are engaging with legally sanctioned operators. Many individuals unwittingly access illegal sites without age verification, often using youth accounts from Dutch banks. 

The Meld Vals Spel initiative is dedicated to exposing these illegal practices, issuing consumer warnings, and empowering regulators to take stringent action. 

Consumers can Engage with Licensed Operators  

Helma Lodders elaborated on the initiative’s purpose, saying, “Meld Vals Spel is a proactive response from licensed providers. Our reporting platform enables stakeholders to easily flag unsafe operations of illegal gambling sites.

"The Meld Vals Spel team will evaluate each report to determine potential follow-up actions, which could range from further investigation to notifying the KSA about specific abuses. This effort is designed to be complementary to the KSA’s regulatory activities, providing them with actionable insights for enforcement.” added Lodders.

Since the legalisation of online gambling in the Netherlands over three years ago, consumers have had the opportunity to engage with licensed providers that adhere to rigorous legal standards, ensuring a safe gaming experience. 

Through the establishment of Meld Vals Spel, VNLOK and NOGA aim to encourage consumers to remain informed and choose legal and safe gambling options, thereby minimising the risks associated with illicit online gambling activities.