VNLOK, or Vergunde Nederlandse Online Kansspelaanbieders, has issued a sharp warning to Dutch gambling stakeholders.
VNLOK is a trade body for licensed Dutch operators. It stated that operators are manipulating reviews on Google and Trustpilot.. False reviews and fake profiles make illegal websites appear trustworthy. Hackers and other operators are promoting illegal sites through acquired or hacked websites, including former government sites.
These revelations come from an initiative launched in November of last year, which focuses on reporting illegal gambling activities. It came from Meld Vals Spel. VNLOK stated that it has received a total of 238 reports about practices used by illegal gambling providers.
VNLOK’s Chair, Björn Fuchs noted that they see how sophisticated illegal gambling sites masquerade as trustworthy entities.
He added that this makes it nearly impossible for consumers to tell the difference. This is why it is crucial to follow up reports promptly and take stronger action against illegal providers.
Stating that high taxes, as well as additional restrictions on legal providers push players to illegal operators, VNLOK has called on Dutch politicians to trust legal gambling and note the damage illegal practices can do to players who are at risk.
These comments are in response to significant changes to the tax of the country on gambling, which increased from 30.5% to 34.2% in the current year. Furthermore, it will rise again to 37.8% in the coming year.
According to the trade association, give the Netherlands gambling authority the power to take decisive action and immediately block illegal gambling sites and their affiliates. And ensure that the legal market remains attractive and visible, so players can more easily find a safe provider.
Bear in mind that Meld Vals Spel said that most reports, around 30%, highlighted misleading advertisements from illegal online casinos. Meanwhile, other areas included misuse of logos and names of legitimate providers, around 20%, making illegal sites accessible to minors or 10%, and problems with payments and withdrawals.
