Ksa: 4,600 reports to Facebook in one month
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9 May 2026 •
Reading time: 2 minutes
In April, the Kansspelautoriteit reported more than 4,600 pieces of content to Facebook and Instagram in order to combat adverts linked to illegal gambling offers.
A massive crackdown on illegal advertising
In April, the Ksa stepped up its reporting to Facebook and Instagram to have illegal gambling adverts removed or restricted, with a total of over 4,600 reports in a single month.
Illegal operators do not merely exist on the fringes of the authorised market: they actively seek to capture the attention of internet users. Their method often involves presenting themselves as trustworthy. To do this, they may, for example, use the names of well-known Dutch sportspeople or major brands. This tactic exploits the public’s trust. When a familiar name or a recognised brand appears in an advertisement, some internet users may be tempted to believe that the offer is legitimate, regulated or officially approved. The Ksa points out that it is often difficult for consumers to know whether a gambling provider holds a licence.
Social media at the heart of the illegal infrastructure
In its statement, the Ksa emphasises that the approach to tackling illegal supply can take various forms. It can range from imposing fines to disrupting the infrastructure used by illegal suppliers.
The fight is not limited to the provider itself. Illegal operators rely on a range of means to reach consumers: digital tools, promotional channels, distribution networks and social media platforms. Within this landscape, the online world plays a major role. Facebook and Instagram are therefore cited not merely as communication platforms, but as venues where illegal advertisements can spread.
The Ksa states that it is working with a broad alliance of companies and organisations to combat illegal advertising on social media.
In its message, the Ksa summarises its course of action in clear terms: it will continue to report, collaborate and step up its efforts. The fight against illegal advertising on social media is an ongoing endeavour.
A wake-up call in Belgium too
In Belgium, a study commissioned by Napoleon Games claims that by December 2025, nearly 60,000 illegal gambling advertisements will have been posted on Facebook by more than 3,000 different pages. These campaigns reportedly rely in particular on pop-up pages, misleading redirects and the misuse of the visual identity of legal operators in order to confuse internet users. Only 11.5% of the adverts published by unlicensed operators are said to have been removed for breaching the platform’s rules.