An investigation by radio station BNR has uncovered a serious issue regarding illegal gambling advertisements on Meta platforms. These ads target people who have voluntarily signed up for the national gambling self-exclusion register in the Netherlands, known as Cruks. The register prohibits licensed operators from accepting bets from these individuals, but unlicensed sites are bypassing these protections through targeted social media campaigns.
Searching for terms related to bypassing the register reveals numerous ads from unlicensed casinos. These promotions explicitly promise ways to gamble without Cruks restrictions, often using AI-generated content to lure users. Addiction experts warn that exposure to these advertisements can trigger intense urges for those trying to recover from gambling problems.
Industry bodies estimate that Meta earns between 7.3 million and 13.6 million euros annually from these illegal gambling ads in the Netherlands. While Meta removed the specific ads identified by BNR after being questioned, the recurring nature of the problem has led gambling associations to take legal action. VNLOK has filed a complaint with the European Commission, arguing that the company is failing to meet its responsibilities under the Digital Services Act.
This development occurs as the Dutch government prepares to implement a total ban on online gambling advertising and bonuses. Junior justice minister Claudia van Bruggen highlighted the rise in addiction among young people as a primary driver for these stricter regulations. Meta continues to state that its advertisers must comply with local laws, though they have declined to comment on the specific revenue generated from these blocked advertisements.