Dutch gambling authority removes 20 illegal gambling apps
The Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), the gambling regulator of the Netherlands, has removed 20 illegal gambling apps from mobile app stores since the start of 2025. The move is aimed at protecting consumers, especially minors, from unlicensed gambling operations.
These apps were often disguised as simple games or promoted heavily through social media. For most, however, users were redirected to the illegal gambling site after they installed the app. Some apps went so far as to use licensed operators’ official logos, such as Holland Casino, to pose as legitimate operations.
Fake games and misleading promotions
Under the KSA, numerous of the banned apps were marketed as harmless games, including different versions of the well-known “Plinko” game. But when downloaded, the apps led users to remote gambling websites that are not licensed in the Netherlands.
These platforms are not subject to Dutch consumer protection laws, creating serious risks for users. The KSA highlighted that these apps often operate without age verification, making them easily accessible to minors.
Minors at risk
One of the biggest concerns of the KSA is the exposure of youth to gambling via these applications. Without legal protection or protection of players being implemented, there is no limitation on minors getting access to and engaging with gambling content without notice.
The KSA has warned that app developers and promoters are actively bypassing regulations by using misleading advertising and embedding gambling elements into games that do not appear to be gambling-related at first glance.
Misuse of licensed operator branding
In some instances, the KSA found that illegal apps were employing the logo of legal operators, including Holland Casino, without authorisation. This is done to make users feel that they are trusted by pretending to be a trusted actor.
The KSA encouraged customers to examine the origins of apps very well and solely utilise Netherlands-licensed gambling services.
Consumer support critical to crackdown
The regulator is urging consumers to report unscrupulous gambling apps. Individuals who encounter dubious offers on social media or third-party platforms are asked to note the names of the apps and the links they use.
In addition to reports from consumers, the KSA is also increasingly receiving reports from industry associations and licensed casinos, for example, via Meld Vals Spel, a platform set up by the industry for reporting illegal gambling sites. Reports received via that platform are also investigated by the KSA. The KSA has working agreements with app stores to report illegal apps to them and then have them removed.
KSA explained with an example, saying, “While playing the game ‘Candy Crush’, you will see an advertisement that promotes gambling. In this advertisement you will see a game called ‘Plinko’ where it seems like you can win a lot of money. The advertisement ends with a button like ‘Play now’. To report the app it is important that you press this button, so that you are redirected to the Appstore or Playstore and see the name of the app in question.”
