Two Dutch gaming trade associations have together launched a reporting tool to complement the regulator’s work in tackling the illegal market.

Meld Vals Spel has been set up for members of VNLOK and the Netherlands Online Gambling Association, as well as other licensees, partner organisations and other professional stakeholders.

They can report sites or apps which are illegal as well as practices such as excessive bonuses or where minors are not excluded.

The hotline aims to warn against the risks of the illegal market but also to “ensure that illegal practices are dealt with severely,” NOGA said.

“A report can be a reason to conduct further investigation or to collect more signals that better visualise illegal practices,” NOGA said.

“A report can also be a reason to inform the KSA. If necessary, we ask the attention of the government or politics.”

Helma Lodders, chairwoman of VNLOK and Eric Konings, acting director of NOGA, said: “Licensed providers of online gambling have a joint responsibility to offer players a legal, safe and responsible offer. This often goes well but can also be improved.

“We work hard on this every day. At the same time, many Dutch people still come into contact with illegal gambling sites and apps. These illegal parties actively respond to the increasingly strict Dutch regulations by, for example, advertising on search terms such as 'playing without limits' or 'playing without cruks' [Dutch self-exclusion platform].

“In doing so, they specifically attract (vulnerable) players. These types of illegal practices endanger the safety of players and must be tackled firmly.”

https://www.intergameonline.com/igaming/news/dutch-trade-associations-launch-illegal-gaming-reporting-platform