Home  › News  › Rules and licensing

Dutch gambling regulator issues record penalty for unlicensed online casinos

The Netherlands Gambling Authority has slammed EOD Code with a massive fine of 37 million euros.

Written by the BettingEdgeHub desk, 25 October 2026

The Netherlands Gambling Authority has handed down a record financial penalty to an offshore gambling operator. EOD Code must pay 37 million euros for offering online casino games to Dutch players without a valid licence.

This punishment is the largest the regulator has ever given out for illegal gambling offences. It surpasses the previous high water mark set earlier this year.

Twelve unlicenced websites

The investigation started after inspectors found a single rogue brand operating freely. Further checks revealed a network of twelve sites targeting local customers without permission.

Investigators easily signed up and played on the platforms. The sites lacked age verification checks and allowed cryptocurrency payments, which increased money laundering risks.

Turnover based penalties

Regulators normally use standard base amounts for fines, but chose a different path here. They calculated the penalty using an estimate of the company earnings in the Netherlands because standard fines were too low.

The enforcement action highlights ongoing battles in the Dutch market. Unlicensed operators continue to attract local players despite strict national regulations and advertising bans.