TLDR
- Dutch trade group VNLOK is suing Meta and filing an EU complaint over illegal gambling ads on Facebook and Instagram
- Research found 70,000 gambling ads per quarter targeted Dutch users, with over 95% promoting unlicensed operators
- Meta removed fewer than 5% of those ads, according to VNLOK
- The illegal Dutch gambling market is estimated at over €1 billion in annual wagers
- Meta faces similar lawsuits in California and scrutiny from regulators in the UK, Australia, Brazil, and Malaysia
Dutch gambling trade group VNLOK has filed a lawsuit against Meta and submitted a formal complaint to the European Commission. The group says Facebook and Instagram are being used to run large-scale illegal gambling advertising targeting Dutch consumers.
VNLOK represents licensed online gambling operators in the Netherlands. It says Meta has repeatedly ignored warnings about unlicensed gambling ads on its platforms.
70,000 Ads Per Quarter, Most Illegal
VNLOK’s research found that in the final quarter of 2025, around 70,000 gambling ads appeared on Meta’s platforms each quarter targeting Dutch users. More than 95% of those ads promoted unlicensed operators.
Meta removed fewer than 5% of those ads, according to the group.
VNLOK says this violates the EU’s Digital Services Act, which requires large platforms to take active steps to reduce illegal content.
VNLOK Chairman Björn Fuchs said illegal operators “do not adhere to rules regarding addiction prevention and actively target vulnerable groups such as minors and problem gamblers.”
The association estimates the illegal Dutch gambling market has grown to over €1 billion in annual wagers. That makes it roughly equal in size to the legal, regulated market.
VNLOK criticized Meta for relying on user reporting tools rather than proactive enforcement. The group says Meta has asked for examples of illegal ads but refused to hold any formal talks with the association.
The lawsuit asks a court to declare Meta in violation of the DSA. It also seeks an order forcing Meta to implement stronger detection systems and pay financial penalties for non-compliance.
Meta Also Faces Lawsuits in California
The Dutch case is not the only legal action Meta is currently dealing with over gambling ads.
Earlier this month, a California resident named Joseph Allen filed a lawsuit in Sacramento County Superior Court. He claims Meta’s ad systems directed him toward an illegal sportsbook operation called “Gwin Sportsbook.”
The suit alleges Meta used personal data to target gambling ads and failed to screen advertisers properly.
Earlier this year, a jury in Los Angeles ordered Meta and Google to pay $6 million in a separate case. That ruling found the companies used engagement techniques similar to those used by slot machine makers and cigarette companies.
Regulators Around the World Are Watching
Meta has also faced pressure from regulators in the UK, Australia, Brazil, and Malaysia over illegal gambling advertising on its platforms.
The UK Gambling Commission’s Tim Miller publicly criticized Meta for allowing illegal operators to run ads. Brazil ordered Meta to remove such ads, and Malaysian officials have called for stronger action.
VNLOK said other platforms, banks, and game providers must also do more to keep illegal gambling operators from reaching consumers.
