Dutch Gambling Regulator Takes Aim at Illegal Advertising Network

Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), the Netherlands Gambling Authority, has taken decisive action against three companies for continued promotions of unlicensed gambling platforms on Dutch-facing websites. SBM Holding Group, Sun Block Media Labs 2.0 Ltd, and JEF Holdings Ltd face a penalty order that could cost them up to €225,000 ($261,000) if they continue to host illegal gambling marketing materials.

Promoting Unregulated Operators Is Strictly Forbidden

The investigation primarily revolves around Casinoscout.nl, an affiliate website that previously only listed legal operators licensed in the Netherlands. However, this situation changed in 2025 when new ownership took control of the domain. Soon after, the website began to forward Dutch users to offshore casinos that lacked the regulatory approval to operate in the Netherlands.

Investigators discovered a page claiming to list the “Best Unlicensed Casinos.” The website displayed casino logos, marketing slogans, review scores, and direct links encouraging users to sign up and often including various types of sign-up bonuses. Such promotional materials are strictly forbidden when used to market unlicensed operators to Dutch citizens.

Some of the promoted sites had already attracted the attention of the KSA in prior enforcement cases. The regulator noted that by promoting such brands, Casinoscout.nl was defying Dutch law, which not only bans unlicensed gambling but also the advertising of such services. In 2024 alone, the KSA blocked hundreds of blacklisted domains, displaying its commitment to player safety.

Strict Enforcement Is Imperative for Consumer Protection

The KSA was concerned that the offending website did not distinguish between regulated and black market operators, potentially misleading visitors into believing that all listed platforms were legal. According to the authority, such ambiguity presented a substantial threat to consumer protection. The KSA was adamant that operators and affiliates seeking to circumvent regulations would face harsh penalties.

Even after repeated warnings, the companies behind the site did not take measures to correct the observed deficiencies, forcing the KSA to shut down the website. Although Casinoscout.nl was temporarily offline, it quickly reemerged with a Dutch IP block, attempting to sidestep the authority’s reach. However, the KSA pressed on, and the platform is now permanently banned.

The KSA contacted the Netherlands Foundation for Internet Domain Registration to take the website offline.

KSA statement

Reportedly unwilling to step down, the group behind Casinoscout.nl redirected traffic to a second site, besteonlinecasinonederland.com, displaying much of the same offerings. This development prompted the KSA to take further enforcement action. The offending companies now face weekly fines of €75,000 ($87,000), up to a limit of €225,000, if they continue to promote illegal gambling.