Herbert in controversy due to promoting illegal gambling sites in the Netherlands

Herbert was dismissed by the FIA a few months ago for earning extra money as an analyst for a PR agency that has several online gambling companies as clients. Herbert conducted interviews with this agency, after which it was shared with - primarily British - media. In return, these media outlets included Herbert's quotes with the name of a constantly changing gambling website - often also with a link to that site. In this way, the gambling sites were brought to the public's attention.

In the Netherlands, it is not allowed to advertise these gambling sites, mainly because they do not have a license in the country and are therefore illegal. This led to GPblog deciding some time ago not to include the names of these gambling sites when reporting.

The PR agency could always argue that Herbert's contributions were intended for the British market, as the mentioned websites were legal in the United Kingdom. But with Herbert's latest contribution, the PR agency is explicitly trying to reach Dutch gamblers.

In an interview with Herbert that was also sent to Dutch media, there is a reference to a website with a Dutch name, in the Dutch language. The website also claims to be ‘the undisputed number one in the field of online casinos in the Netherlands’. It should be noted that the gambling websites that are supposedly independent are all owned by the same entity and are forbidden in the Netherlands.

Moreover, with a disclaimer - which is hard to find - the website to which Herbert 'gave an interview', seems to acknowledge that their actions are not allowed within the country. The fine print states: "The message of this website is exclusively intended for Dutch-speaking individuals residing outside of the Netherlands."

In any case, it can be said that Herbert has linked his name to a company that promotes websites banned in the Netherlands. This could result in heavy fines if the Dutch Gambling Authority becomes aware.