The Netherlands' gambling authority Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) has ordered Costa Rica-based operator JACO V.I.P. Limitada, which runs the Spinstar.bet brand, to halt its unlicensed activities in the country. The decision, made public on 22 October 2026, follows an investigation showing Dutch players could register, deposit, and gamble on the website using local payment methods.
Details of the Enforcement Action
The KSA's investigation included test registrations and deposits by its staff, confirming that Dutch residents could access Spinstar.bet as recently as July 2026. The regulator found that the operator enabled gambling with Dutch bank accounts and offered games such as the virtual slot "Le Bandit." JACO V.I.P. Limitada was given four weeks from the decision date to cease its operations targeting the Netherlands.
Significant Financial Penalties Imposed
If the operator fails to comply, it faces a weekly penalty of €468,250, up to a maximum of €936,500. The KSA calculated the penalty based on the estimated gross gaming revenue (GGR) of €273,000 for January 2026, using search volume data and the cost of obtaining a Dutch licence. The investigation also noted that Spinstar.bet was searched 1,940 times from the Netherlands in January 2026.
Connection to BetOranje and Industry Warnings
JACO V.I.P. Limitada also operates BetOranje, a site previously flagged by the Dutch affiliate oversight body KVA for targeting local players with Dutch-language content and payment options. However, the KSA’s current enforcement action applies only to Spinstar.bet, and BetOranje is not named in the official decision.
Why This Matters for the Industry
This enforcement highlights the KSA’s ongoing efforts to curb unlicensed online gambling in the Netherlands. For operators, the case underscores the financial and reputational risks of targeting Dutch consumers without proper authorisation. Affiliates and suppliers should be aware of the regulator's willingness to investigate and sanction those facilitating illegal access. The decision also sends a clear message to the market that the KSA is monitoring both operators and their local marketing strategies.
Key takeaways
- KSA ordered JACO V.I.P. Limitada to stop offering Spinstar.bet to Dutch players.
- Non-compliance could lead to fines of up to €936,500.
- Investigation confirmed Dutch access and use of local payment methods.
- Action signals increased regulatory scrutiny of unlicensed operators in the Netherlands.