KSA focuses on tackling illegal gambling apps

In the fight against illegal gambling, the KSA is also focusing on tackling illegal gambling offers in app stores. This problem is becoming increasingly urgent, especially with the increasing number of apps that refer users to illegal websites. These websites are often also accessible to minors, which makes the situation even more worrying. Many of these apps are advertised via social media.

Illegal providers often use underhand techniques to convince consumers, for example by displaying logos of licensed providers. An app was recently reported in the App Store that misused the Holland Casino logo. Also, a ‘regular’ game is often advertised (in many cases a variation on ‘plinko’), but after downloading it links to illegal gambling websites.

In the past three months, the Ksa has had 20 of these types of apps removed, so that they are no longer available to users. It is very important to the Ksa that consumers continue to report these types of apps, so that this process can continue throughout the year. When reporting advertising for gambling games, it is essential that the name of the app in question that is being advertised is mentioned in the report.

In addition to reports from consumers, the Ksa is also increasingly receiving reports from trade associations and licensed casinos. For example, via Meld Vals Spel, a platform set up by the industry for reporting illegal gambling sites. Reports that come in via that platform are also investigated by the Ksa. The Ksa has working agreements with app stores to report illegal apps to them and then have them removed.