Research shows: illegal casinos lure young people
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24 May 2024 •
Reading time: 2 minutes Alarming research shows that minors can gamble at illegal online casinos without any problems. This is evident from research conducted on behalf of Keurmerk Responsible Affiliates (KVA). The findings have been shared with trade organizations VNLOK and NOGA and the Dutch Gaming Authority (Ksa) has been informed.
The research shows that illegal casinos focus on the Dutch market without embarrassment. Minors can easily create an account, even deposit money with a youth account and gamble anonymously with cryptocurrency. All of these practices are illegal with legal, licensed online providers.
How do young people enter illegal casinos?
- Easy to create an account: Age verification is missing or email/phone number is enough.
- Deposits with a youth bank account: Deposit money via internet banking from a Dutch bank.
- Anonymous gambling with cryptocurrencies: No registration of personal data required.
“The results of this research are shocking,” said Helma Lodders, chairman of VNLOK. “It is unacceptable that illegal casinos allow minors to gamble so easily. We call on the Ksa to take quick and effective action against this.”
Peter-Paul de Goeij, managing director of NOGA, adds: “These practices put vulnerable groups, such as minors, in great danger. We must stop illegal providers and protect players.”
Illegal casinos are often difficult to distinguish from legal providers. They misuse the names and corporate identities of legal casinos or facilitate deposits with Dutch banks. Hundreds of thousands of Dutch people come into contact with these illegal providers every month via search engines or other online channels.
What can be done about it?
The Gaming Authority (Ksa) must enforce stricter rules and tackle illegal online casinos harder, according to operators and stakeholders. Payment service providers, internet providers and platforms where illegal casinos advertise must block these providers. Parents should be alert and talk to their children about the dangers of online gambling.