Gambling regulator hits illegal casino with record €37m fine

The Dutch gambling regulator, KSA, has imposed a record fine of €37 million on EOD Code SRL, a company operating a dozen unlicensed online casinos targeting Dutch players. These casinos were accessible through websites such as Instantcasino and Skyhills, which operated without a Dutch license, as confirmed by KSA inspectors. The investigation began with Instantcasino and expanded to uncover 11 additional sites run by the same entity.

The fine was based on an estimate of the company's estimated Dutch revenue. Online gambling was legalized in October 2021, but KSA estimates that more money flows to unlicensed sites than legal ones. Recent findings, including radio station BNR's investigation, indicate that illegal operators target Facebook and Instagram ads at individuals who are barred from gambling on the national register Cruks.

The Dutch cabinet recently announced plans to ban online gambling advertising and bonuses. For those needing assistance with gambling addiction, the Jellinek addiction helpline can be contacted at 088 505 1220 or via jellinek.nl.