TITLE: Netherlands Gambling Authority Imposes Penalty on SBM Holding Group for Illegal Casino Advertising
BODY:
On May 12, 2026, the Kansspelautoriteit (Dutch Gambling Authority) issued a decision on appeal upholding enforcement action against SBM Holding Group for advertising illegal gambling services, including on the website Casinoscout.nl.
The authority originally issued a last under dwangsom (enforcement order with penalty) on July 14, 2025, requiring SBM Holding Group to cease advertising illegal casinos. SBM Holding Group subsequently filed an objection to this decision. Following review of the objection, the Kansspelautoriteit confirmed its original enforcement action on May 12, 2026.
Under the terms of the enforcement order, if SBM Holding Group continues to advertise illegal casinos, the Kansspelautoriteit will impose a penalty of €75,000 per week, with a maximum cumulative penalty of €225,000. The decision applies specifically to advertising conducted through Casinoscout.nl and other channels promoting unlicensed gambling operators.
The Kansspelautoriteit published three documents on May 12, 2026: the decision on appeal (sanctiebesluit), a notification of the decision, and a public disclosure decision regarding the sanction.
SBM Holding Group may appeal the decision on appeal to the district court (rechtbank). The enforcement order issued on July 14, 2025, against which the objection was filed, remains in effect pending any court proceedings.
REFERENCES:
Kansspelautoriteit. SBM Holding Group. Available at: https://www.kansspelautoriteit.nl/besluiten-en-regelgeving/besluiten/sbm-holding-group/