I believe we can question the prohibition of a general monitoring obligation imposed by the Digital Services Act. Its enforcement proves to be extremely complicated because the legal means to act in order to enforce the law—such as the ban on online casino games in France, as well as our intellectual property rights—are very limited, lengthy, and costly. Furthermore, any monitoring measures imposed by the courts are time-limited, which ultimately does not resolve the problem.
You’ve requested damages and access to Meta’s advertising revenues linked to the fake JOA ads. How important is financial accountability in deterring future violations?
Meta does not publish content related to drug sales or weapons. Tey therefore know how to filter and block content when they want to! Meta does not seem to be sensitive to public health issues related to player protection, or to challenges in the fight against terrorism and money laundering. Hopefully, the financial stakes involved will make them change their policy.
What message would you like this legal action to send to other global platforms and digital advertisers who may be inadvertently facilitating illegal gambling promotions?
I believe that we cannot allow messages promoting illegal activities to
pass, even unintentionally. No one is supposed to be ignorant of the law even if you’re a worldwide tech platform!
Laurent, what are JOA’s next steps if the ongoing proceedings do not result in stronger platform safeguards or meaningful compensation? Would you consider lobbying for new legislative action at the national or EU level?
Raising awareness is the No.1 priority to inform both the politicians, and the national regulators, and also to warn the public, regarding the hidden danger behind these illegal websites.
Te European Casino Association has called on the European Commission to ensure the Digital Fairness Act includes enforceable provisions that protect consumers online. Measures include the blocking of illegal gambling by national authorities, and the dismantling of the online infrastructure supporting illegal gambling advertising. How important is it that the licensed casino industry fight for digital fairness and present a unified voice via the ECA?
Te European Casino Association, of which JOA is a member, speaks with one voice to protect all EU licensed operators, their customers and their team members. Tis is such an important social, financial and security issue, communication around figures and best practices remain key.
The ECA Position on the Digital Fairness Act
Te European Casino Association (ECA) urges the European Commission to use the Digital Fairness Act (DFA) to combat illegal online gambling more effectively and safeguard consumers.
Te ECA highlights that despite the growth of legal online gambling since COVID-19, a large portion of the online market in the EU remains dominated by unlicensed operators—generating over €80bn in illegal revenue in 2024, according to a Yield Sec study.
Tese illegal operators exploit digital platforms, including social media and app stores, to advertise their services, often impersonating licensed operators. Tis deception not only damages the reputation of legal casinos but also exposes consumers— especially vulnerable groups like minors and self-excluded individuals—to unsafe and unregulated gambling environments. Tese activities often link to broader criminal issues such as money laundering and financial exploitation.
Te current EU legal framework, including the Digital Services Act, is insufficient to address these risks. Te ECA sees the DFA as a critical opportunity to:
Empower national authorities with tools like IP and DNS blocking, payment blocking, domain blacklisting, and expedited removal of illegal gambling sites.
Crack down on illegal gambling ads by mandating that digital platforms verify advertisers’ licensing status and remove illegal content swiftly, as flagged by trusted regulators and licensed organisations.
Te ECA calls for harmonised and enforceable measures in the DFA that reflect the same consumer protection goals it pursues, arguing that the Act must close the gap between regulatory intent and online enforcement.
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