The Netherlands gambling regulation took a decisive turn in July 2025, as the Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) extended its enforcement reach beyond operators to include affiliates, media outlets, and marketing agencies. This marks a significant shift in the Dutch regulator’s strategy, aimed at cutting off the entire ecosystem that fuels illegal and non-compliant gambling activity.
Key Insights
For the first time, KSA issued penalty orders directly against affiliates, fining companies like SBM Holding Group, Sun Block Media Labs 2.0, and JEF Holdings – operators of Casinoscount.nl – up to €225,000 for persistent violations. This action underscores a new era of KSA affiliate liability, where accountability no longer stops at the operator level.
The enforcement drive also targeted licensed operators. ZEbetting and Betca were formally warned for offering prohibited single-set tennis bets, highlighting the regulator’s broader stance on Dutch gambling enforcement and match-fixing risks.
Marketing restrictions remain a core focus. In parallel with affiliate sanctions, media outlets were instructed to avoid content tied to unlicensed platforms outside the Cruks self-exclusion register. Discussions with the Advertising Code Foundation and market associations underline the intent to enforce the online casino advertising ban Netherlandscomprehensively.
This stricter approach is informed by political and public concern over player protection. Measures under consideration include raising the minimum gambling age to 21, introducing centralized deposit limits, and maintaining a ban on all sports sponsorships. The KSA is making it clear that gambling compliance Netherlands requires proactive safeguards, not just formal box-ticking.
The penalties imposed on affiliates represent a regulatory milestone. Historically, Dutch gambling market penaltiesfocused almost exclusively on operators. By expanding liability to promotional partners and agencies, the KSA has aligned itself with enforcement models seen in Scandinavia while pushing beyond traditional EU practices.
The Dutch model now balances strict consumer protection with rising compliance costs. While financial sanctions may curb the visibility of illegal platforms, they also increase operational risks for licensed businesses. The long-term question is whether tougher rules can eliminate black-market incentives without weakening the regulated market itself.
The enforcement drive also targeted licensed operators. ZEbetting and Betca were formally warned for offering prohibited single-set tennis bets, highlighting the regulator’s broader stance on Dutch gambling enforcement and match-fixing risks.
Marketing restrictions remain a core focus. In parallel with affiliate sanctions, media outlets were instructed to avoid content tied to unlicensed platforms outside the Cruks self-exclusion register. Discussions with the Advertising Code Foundation and market associations underline the intent to enforce the online casino advertising ban Netherlandscomprehensively.
This stricter approach is informed by political and public concern over player protection. Measures under consideration include raising the minimum gambling age to 21, introducing centralized deposit limits, and maintaining a ban on all sports sponsorships. The KSA is making it clear that gambling compliance Netherlands requires proactive safeguards, not just formal box-ticking.
The penalties imposed on affiliates represent a regulatory milestone. Historically, Dutch gambling market penaltiesfocused almost exclusively on operators. By expanding liability to promotional partners and agencies, the KSA has aligned itself with enforcement models seen in Scandinavia while pushing beyond traditional EU practices.
The Dutch model now balances strict consumer protection with rising compliance costs. While financial sanctions may curb the visibility of illegal platforms, they also increase operational risks for licensed businesses. The long-term question is whether tougher rules can eliminate black-market incentives without weakening the regulated market itself.
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