VNLOK and NOGA express concerns about rising spending at illegal online casinos
VNLOK and NOGA, two major trade associations in the Dutch gambling industry, are concerned. A report by the Netherlands Gambling Authority (Ksa) shows that players are spending more and more money at illegal online casinos, despite the fact that the number of players on these sites has fallen. This raises questions about the protection of vulnerable groups such as young people and problem gamblers.
Spending at illegal casinos is increasing, despite fewer players
The Netherlands Gambling Authority recently published the 2024 market scan, which shows that Dutch gamblers spent an average of €272 per person on online gambling in 2023. But what really stood out in the report was that although the number of players at illegal online casinos fell, spending at these platforms actually increased significantly.
In addition, the Ksa’s monitoring report showed that the legal online gambling market grew by 8% in the first half of 2024. The so-called “channelization rate” – the percentage of players who play via legal platforms – rose to 95%. However, the total amount gambled via legal platforms actually fell to less than 87%. This means that people who play on illegal sites spend much more money there than before.
Concerns at VNLOK and NOGA
Helma Lodders, chair of VNLOK, and Eric Konings, director of NOGA, said that they are pleased that many people are finding their way to legal providers. At the same time, they are concerned that players who choose illegal casinos are losing more and more money there. This makes them doubt whether vulnerable groups, such as minors and problem gamblers, are sufficiently protected.
Lodders and Konings point out that young people and problem gamblers in particular are susceptible to the appeal of illegal gambling sites. Research shows that minors can still play at these illegal providers without much difficulty.
“These people disappear in the statistics, while they need the most protection.”
More supervision needed for illegal gambling sites
The trade associations VNLOK and NOGA emphasize that it is crucial to keep a close eye on developments in the illegal gambling market. They want more supervision, so that there is a better view of how big the illegal gambling market actually is. Because as long as players can go about their business on these platforms unchecked, they will remain vulnerable to financial problems and addiction.
More awareness for Loket Kansspel
In a joint statement, VNLOK and NOGA also call for more awareness of Loket Kansspel, an agency that offers help to people with gambling problems. Figures from IPSOS show that no less than 79% of gamblers have never heard of the Loket Kansspel. And only 1% of them have ever contacted the Loket Kansspel. This is a concern for the trade associations.
According to the Ksa, the number of help and information conversations has decreased, but it is unclear whether this is because fewer people are experiencing problems, or because they simply do not know where to find help. Lodders and Konings believe that action must be taken in this regard. They therefore want to work together with the Gaming Authority and the Loket Kansspel to ensure that more people find their way to help.
Cruks must be improved
Finally, VNLOK and NOGA believe that improvements must be made to the Cruks system, the Central Register for Exclusion from Gambling. This register ensures that people who have problems with gambling can have themselves excluded from all gambling activities. The industry associations would like to talk to players who have registered in Cruks and now want to participate in online gambling again, to see whether additional measures are needed.
They also believe that the process of involuntary registration in Cruks must be faster. At the moment, it can sometimes take months before someone is registered. In addition, they want research to be conducted into the many rejections of involuntary registrations, so that it becomes clear why these applications are rejected so often.