The Dutch Online Gambling Association (NOGA) and the Licensed Dutch Online Gaming Providers (VNLOK) have launched the “Meld Vals Spel” (Report Cheating Hotline) to combat illegal online gambling practices.

This hotline has been set up to allow members of VNLOK and NOGA, other licensees, partner organisations and other professional stakeholders to report. At www.meldvalsspel.nl they can report unsafe practices of illegal gambling sites or apps, such as the fact that players are not protected, excessive bonuses are offered and minors are not excluded.

By collecting reports, Meld Vals Spel aims to gain a better understanding of the working methods of illegal parties. This contributes to a more effective approach to illegality and the protection of vulnerable players. The aim of Meld Vals Spel is not only to warn against the risks of playing at illegal gambling sites or apps, but also to ensure that illegal practices are dealt with severely. For example, by bringing illegal practices to the attention of the Gaming Authority (KSA), politics or social media platforms. In this way, the Reporting Point complements the efforts of the KSA.

Meld Vals Spel is an initiative of licensed providers. On www.meldvalsspel.nl, members of VNLOK and NOGA, other licensees, partner organisations and other professional stakeholders can easily report unsafe practices of illegal gambling sites or apps. A report can be a reason to conduct further investigation or to collect more signals that better visualize illegal practices. A report can also be a reason to inform the KSA.

For over three years, Dutch consumers have been able to legally participate in online gambling with providers that have been granted a license by the supervisory authority, KSA. These providers must meet strict legal requirements so that consumers can choose an attractive online gaming offer in a safe environment.

Helma Lodders, chairwoman of VNLOK and Eric Konings, acting director of NOGA: “Licensed providers of online gambling have a joint responsibility to offer players a legal, safe and responsible offer. This often goes well, but can also be improved. We work hard on this every day. At the same time, many Dutch people still come into contact with illegal gambling sites and apps. These illegal parties actively respond to the increasingly strict Dutch regulations by, for example, advertising on search terms such as ‘playing without limits’ or ‘playing without cruks’. In doing so, they specifically attract (vulnerable) players. These types of illegal practices endanger the safety of players and must be tackled firmly.”

Betting and Gaming Council, CEO Grainne Hurst, said: “The BGC supported plans outlined in the White Paper published last year to reform stake limits and introduce a mandatory levy to fund Research, Prevention and treatment.

“BGC members voluntarily contributed over £170m over the last four years to tackle problem gambling and gambling related harm, including £50m this year alone, funding an independent network of charities currently caring for 85 per cent of all problem gamblers receiving treatment in Britain.

“Ministers must not lose sight of the fact that the vast majority of the 22.5m people who enjoy a bet each month, on the lottery, in bookmakers, casinos, bingo halls and online, do so safely, while the most recent NHS Health Survey for England estimated that just 0.4 per cent of the adult population are problem gamblers.

“The tone of this announcement suggests Government is at risk of losing perspective of these facts, while simply dancing to the tune of anti-gambling prohibitionists, which serves no one.”

Vixio, a leading provider of regulatory intelligence solutions, today announced that Christian Erlandson has been appointed as Chair of the board. Effective immediately, Erlandson succeeds Gehan Talwatte, who served as Chair for the past two years. He brings a wealth of experience in executive leadership, strategy and innovation, making him a valuable addition to the company as it continues to pursue growth and long-term success.

“I am honoured to join Vixio as Chair and excited to contribute to the company’s continued success and growth,” said Christian Erlandson. “Vixio’s commitment to the RegTech space, combined with its innovative AI-driven platform that enhances data insights and streamlines workflows, positions the company as a leader in regulatory intelligence. I look forward to helping steer Vixio through this exciting period of innovation and expansion, delivering impactful solutions for our customers, future customers, and employees alike.”

Christian Erlandson brings over 30 years of senior leadership experience in the data and analytics sector, with a proven track record of driving growth and innovation. He has played key roles in high-growth companies and held prominent leadership positions, including CEO of Dun & Bradstreet UK, Managing Director at Thomson Reuters, Chief Commercial Officer at GfK, and CEO of Automotive Transformation Group. Throughout his career, Christian has led successful digital transformations, spearheaded product development initiatives, built high-performing teams, and leveraged data-driven insights to deliver exceptional results for clients.

Erlandson continues to serve as an advisor to Spotlio and currently holds the position of CEO at TNW (a Financial Times Company), reporting to the Financial Times Board. As a seasoned entrepreneur and CEO, Christian has a proven track record of driving transformational change in both scale-ups and well-established blue-chip organisations.

“We are delighted to welcome Christian to Vixio, and extend a heartfelt thanks to Gehan for his invaluable contributions to support Vixio’s expansion over the past two years,” says Mike Woolfrey, CEO Vixio. “Christian’s extensive leadership experience, strategic vision, and commitment to fostering innovation will be instrumental as we continue to strengthen our position as a leader in the RegTech market.”

Vixio was acquired in December 2022 by Perwyn, a European private equity investor, to enhance and increase the product offering and geographic coverage whilst maintaining and enhancing its leading reputation as the go to provider for regulatory intelligence in both the payments and gambling market. In his new role as Chair at Vixio, Erlandson’s industry experience and leadership will support Vixio’s continued growth in the payments and space with new products being brought to market to deepen its existing portfolio, as well as its expansion into the wider financial services industry and into new territories.

“Christian’s exceptional track record of driving growth and delivering value to stakeholders makes him the perfect leader to guide Vixio into its next phase of success,” says Gurinder Sunner, Partner at Perwyn. “We are confident his leadership will strategically position the company for continued growth in payments and gambling, as well as long-term success as we expand further into financial services. I look forward to the exciting opportunities that lie ahead under his chairship.”

Christian’s appointment comes at the perfect time as the business cements its position as an award-winning leader in the RegTech space.