Dutch Gaming Authority fines three companies

(PRESS RELEASE) -- The Netherlands Gambling Authority has imposed a penalty payment order on three parties for advertising illegal gambling, including on the website Casinoscout.nl. If SBM Holding Group, Sun Block Media Labs 2.0 Ltd., and JEF Holdings Ltd. continue advertising illegal casinos, the Ksa will impose a penalty payment of €75,000 per week on all parties, with a maximum of €225,000.

For a while, Casinoscout.nl promoted only legal gambling, but in early 2025, it was acquired by a new owner. From that point on, illegal gambling was promoted via the website. Not only is offering illegal gambling prohibited in the Netherlands, but advertising for it is also prohibited.

The Royal Netherlands Antilles Authority (Ksa) approached the owners, advising them that they would impose a penalty payment order if they didn't stop the illegal activities. After receiving no response, the Ksa contacted the Netherlands Internet Domain Registration Foundation (SIDN) to take the website offline. The website was then temporarily offline, and the owner implemented an IP block to prevent Dutch visitors. Because advertisements for illegal content subsequently reappeared on Casinoscout.nl, the website has now been permanently taken offline.

During their investigation, inspectors from the Royal Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (Ksa) found that Casinoscout.nl also linked to besteonlinecasinonederland.com. This website, also owned by the three parties, also advertised illegal offerings. Because the Ksa considers the violation not over, the parties have now been issued a penalty payment order to stop illegal advertising on all their platforms.