The Dutch Online Gambling Association (NOGA) and the Licensed Dutch Online Gaming Providers (VNLOK) have launched the “Meld Vals Spel” (Report Cheating Hotline) to combat illegal online gambling practices.

This hotline has been set up to allow members of VNLOK and NOGA, other licensees, partner organisations and other professional stakeholders to report. At www.meldvalsspel.nl they can report unsafe practices of illegal gambling sites or apps, such as the fact that players are not protected, excessive bonuses are offered and minors are not excluded.

By collecting reports, Meld Vals Spel aims to gain a better understanding of the working methods of illegal parties. This contributes to a more effective approach to illegality and the protection of vulnerable players. The aim of Meld Vals Spel is not only to warn against the risks of playing at illegal gambling sites or apps, but also to ensure that illegal practices are dealt with severely. For example, by bringing illegal practices to the attention of the Gaming Authority (KSA), politics or social media platforms. In this way, the Reporting Point complements the efforts of the KSA.

Meld Vals Spel is an initiative of licensed providers. On www.meldvalsspel.nl, members of VNLOK and NOGA, other licensees, partner organisations and other professional stakeholders can easily report unsafe practices of illegal gambling sites or apps. A report can be a reason to conduct further investigation or to collect more signals that better visualize illegal practices. A report can also be a reason to inform the KSA.

For over three years, Dutch consumers have been able to legally participate in online gambling with providers that have been granted a license by the supervisory authority, KSA. These providers must meet strict legal requirements so that consumers can choose an attractive online gaming offer in a safe environment.

Helma Lodders, chairwoman of VNLOK and Eric Konings, acting director of NOGA: “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’. In doing so, they specifically attract (vulnerable) players. These types of illegal practices endanger the safety of players and must be tackled firmly.”