The Dutch Gambling Authority (Kansspelautoriteit, Ksa) has imposed its highest-ever fine for illegal gambling on EOD Code SRL, after finding that the company offered gambling services to Dutch players without the required licence across multiple websites.
The enforcement action covers 12 websites, including Instant Casino, Skyhills, SlotMonster and Betiro. According to the regulator, the company had previously received an order subject to penalty payments but continued to offer access to gambling services in the Netherlands.
Investigation Uncovers 12 Unlicensed Gambling Websites
The Ksa initially focused its investigation on Instant Casino. Further inquiries identified 11 additional websites allegedly offering illegal gambling to Dutch consumers: skyhills.com, slotmonster.com, betiro.com, betblast.com, fastslots.com, goldenpanda.com, sambaslots.com, winningz.com, incognitocasino.com, foxygold.com and luckypays.io.
During its investigation, Ksa employees were able to gamble on the websites without measures being taken to prevent participation from the Netherlands.
The regulator also identified several aggravating circumstances, including the absence of visible age verification. Players could also make payments using cryptocurrency and anonymous payment methods, which the Ksa said could facilitate money laundering.
Revenue-Based Calculation Leads to Record Penalty
Rather than relying solely on its standard fines, the Ksa opted for a penalty calculated using an estimate of the revenue generated by the illegal gambling activities.
The regulator explained that standard penalties can be disproportionate when compared with the revenue earned from an unauthorised operation. In EOD Code’s case, it estimated that the company generated more income from Dutch players than the standard fine structure would adequately reflect.
The resulting penalty is the highest the Ksa has imposed to date for an illegal gambling offering. The regulator did not specify the fine amount in the information provided for this announcement.
Ksa Expands Enforcement Beyond Financial Penalties
The case forms part of the Dutch regulator’s wider efforts to restrict access to unlicensed gambling services and protect consumers in the regulated market.
The Ksa said enforcement extends beyond administrative fines and includes cooperation with third parties such as payment service providers, hosting companies, banks and major technology firms.
This approach allows the regulator to target the infrastructure supporting unauthorised gambling, including the payment channels and online services that enable operators to reach consumers.
The action against EOD Code highlights the Ksa’s willingness to use revenue-based penalties when it believes standard fines do not adequately reflect the scale of illegal gambling activity.
Source: Kansspelautoriteit (Ksa) / Casino City Press