Illegal online gambling is emerging as one of the fastest-growing threats in the digital environment. Behind the promises of easy winnings lies an industry operating outside the law – without regulation and without consumer protection.

A new study by the Keurmerk Verantwoorde Affiliates (KVA), cited by European Gaming Industry News, reveals a worrying trend: an increasing number of illegal operators are directing their campaigns specifically toward minors.

Gambling is often portrayed as a modern form of entertainment, while payments through cryptocurrencies are presented as a free and convenient alternative. Combined with peer pressure and the natural curiosity of young people, this makes them a particularly vulnerable audience.

As early as 2024, KVA reported that minors could deposit funds into illegal casinos without significant difficulty, using youth bank accounts. This demonstrates how easily accessible such practices have become.

“The gambling sector has already grown accustomed to the widespread presence of illegal operators. But when we talk about the open targeting of minors – that’s a real shock,” commented Steven Vrolijk from KVA. According to him, the only solution lies in close coordination between institutions, regulators, and parents, because “the future of the younger generation is at stake.”

Today, illegal gambling is no longer just a peripheral risk but a factor that exploits the digital habits of young people. When minors themselves become the main target, the issue turns into a societal and political priority.