TLDR
- Dutch gambling trade group VNLOK has taken Meta to court in Amsterdam.
- VNLOK says Meta is failing its duties under the EU Digital Services Act on illegal gambling ads.
- The group says more than 90% of the Facebook gambling ads it reviewed came from illegal sites.
- VNLOK says Meta’s ad removal rate was 11% in May and 15% in June.
- The group has also asked the European Commission to investigate Meta separately.
A Dutch gambling trade group has taken Meta to court over gambling ads on its platforms. The group, VNLOK, filed a court summons with the Amsterdam court on Monday, 28 September.
VNLOK wants the court to rule that Meta is failing to meet its duties under the European Union’s Digital Services Act. The case focuses on adverts for illegal gambling websites.
The trade group is also seeking a declaration of liability. This would formally hold Meta responsible under the law.
What VNLOK Found in Facebook Gambling Ads
VNLOK says it examined gambling ads shown on Facebook. According to the group, more than 90% of those ads came from illegal gambling sites.
The group said this figure does not measure every gambling ad on Meta’s platforms. It applies only to the ads that VNLOK reviewed.
VNLOK also shared figures on how Meta handled these ads. It said Meta’s ad removal rate was 11% in May.
The rate rose to 15% in June, according to the group. VNLOK has used these numbers to support its case in court.
The Digital Services Act requires large online platforms to assess and reduce systemic risks. VNLOK’s case asks whether that duty goes further than removing reported ads one by one.
What Could Happen Next for Meta
If VNLOK wins, Meta could face an order from a Dutch court. The company could also face daily penalties.
Licensed gambling operators in the Netherlands must follow market rules. They also face limits on how they can advertise.
Unlicensed rivals may still try to reach the same audiences through social media platforms. This is part of the background to VNLOK’s complaint.
Meta has faced regulatory action in other EU countries before. In December 2023, Italy’s communications regulator, AGCOM, issued an enforcement decision against the company.
Separately, VNLOK has asked the European Commission to investigate Meta. That request is apart from the case in Amsterdam.
No ruling has been made yet. The Amsterdam court proceedings will now move forward.
The next steps to watch are any decision from the Amsterdam court and the European Commission’s response to VNLOK’s complaint on Meta’s ad-screening duties.
