Summary
At the Gaming in Holland Conference 2025, Arjan Blok, the CEO of Nederlandse Loterij, emphasised the alarming rise of illegal gambling in the Netherlands. He highlighted that a staggering half of the money wagered by Dutch players is now directed towards unregulated platforms, with the regulated market struggling to hold its ground. To combat this crisis, Blok called for immediate cooperation among banks, tech companies, and the gambling ecosystem to reinforce player protection and shut down illegal operations.
Key Points
- Blok revealed that the channelling rate has plummeted from 80% to 50%, with €1.3 billion in revenue now going to illegal gambling sites.
- He urged banks and tech giants to block illegal sites targeting Dutch consumers, emphasizing their pivotal role in addressing the issue.
- The Dutch Lottery has initiated a civil lawsuit against Lalabet, the largest illegal gambling site, aiming to shut it down permanently.
- Regulatory changes are on the horizon, with calls for stricter advertising laws and potential bans on promotional activities for unlicensed operators.
- Collaboration among all stakeholders, including the KSA (Dutch Gambling Authority), is crucial for effective action against illegal gambling.
Why should I read this?
If you’re concerned about the future of gambling regulations in the Netherlands or just intrigued by the growing challenges of illegal gambling, this article is a must-read! It highlights the urgent need for coordinated action across multiple sectors to protect players and maintain a safe gambling environment. Don’t miss out on understanding this pressing issue that could impact the entire European gambling landscape!
