The Netherlands Gambling Authority (Kansspelautoriteit) has taken decisive action against three companies.  These companies were promoting illegal online gambling through the website Casinoscout.nl. The three entities, SBM Holding Group, Sun Block Media Labs 2.0 Ltd., and JEF Holdings Ltd., are subject to a penalty payment order totaling up to €225,000 per company.

According to the KSA, the companies were warned about promoting unlicensed gambling operators on Dutch territory. This penalty order emphasises efforts to curb illegal gambling and protect Dutch consumers from unregulated gambling platforms.

Shift in Ownership Triggered Illegal Content

Casinoscout.nl was known for listing only licensed gambling options in the Netherlands but changed its course in early 2025 after being acquired by new ownership. 

In the Netherlands, it is illegal to offer unauthorized games of chance or even advertise such services. These rules apply regardless of whether the companies involved are based inside or outside of the country. The KSA has made it clear that promoting illegal gambling is as serious an offense as being an operator.

Ksa Attempts Dialogue, Then Takes Website Offline

Upon identifying the shift toward illegal advertising, the KSA contacted the website’s new owners and advised them to cease the illegal activities. However, when the companies failed to take appropriate action, the authority escalated the matter. They reached out to the Netherlands Internet Domain Registration Foundation to temporarily take Casinoscout.nl offline.

Following this action, the website’s owner implemented an IP block to prevent users in the Netherlands from accessing the site. This measure indicated some measure of compliance, but the it was short-lived. Inspectors later found out that illegal advertising resumed despite the geographical restriction. Consequently, the KSA has Casinoscout.nl taken offline permanently.

Multiple Websites Involved in Ongoing Violation

During the ongoing investigation, inspectors from the Royal Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets found that Casinoscout.nl is also linked to another gambling-related platform: besteonlinecasinonederland.com. This secondary site was also determined to be owned by the same three companies and featured similar advertising for unlicensed gambling.

Given that the violations were not limited to one website, the regulator concluded that the operators had not stopped their illegal practices. Therefore, the penalty payment order extends to all online platforms under their control that promote illegal gambling activities.

The KSA maintains a strict grip on gambling laws to protect consumers. It regularly monitors the market and takes measures against businesses defying regulations. This case serves as a strong warning to online operators, local and international, that Dutch gambling laws will be enforced rigorously.