Dutch regulator helps remove 20 illegal apps from app stores in Q1

The Netherlands Gambling Authority (KSA) has helped remove 20 illegal gambling apps from Android and Apple app stores since the turn of the year.

The regulator said that since the start of 2025 it had “intensified its supervision of illegal gambling apps”, resulting in the offending products being removed.

The KSA stressed the need to fight back against illegal apps was “becoming increasingly urgent”, as the body urged the public to continue to report unlicensed platforms.

The illegal apps were alleged to be using the logos of licensed operators to mislead consumers into believing products were legit.

One such example saw a reported app on the Apple app store misuse the logo of Holland Casino.

In addition, an ‘ordinary’ game, advertising itself as a plinko app, instead linked to unlicensed operators when users downloaded and opened the app.

The KSA added it had working relationships in place with the app stores to report illegal apps and have them removed.

The authority has also been receiving a growing number of reports from licensed operators and trade bodies over the issue.

The KSA said: “In the fight against illegal gambling, the KSA also focuses on tackling illegal gambling offers in app stores.

“These websites are also often accessible to minors, which makes the situation even more worrying. Many of these apps are advertised via social media.

“It is of great importance to the KSA that consumers continue to report these apps, so that this process can continue throughout the year. When reporting gambling advertising, it is essential that the name of the app in question that is being advertised is mentioned in the report.”

Last month, the KSA contacted Lucky 7 Casino for customer service shortcomings, including failing to answer telephone calls in a timely manner and not having Dutch-language services available.