Belgium’s steps towards responsible gaming

Lea Hogg March 5, 2024

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Belgium’s steps towards responsible gaming

Belgium is geared to roll out a series of new responsible gambling protections from 1 September, a move that is raising concerns and is expected to significantly impact operators in the industry.

These updated rules will impose further restrictions on operators active in Belgium, following the enforcement of a gambling advertising ban on 1 July 2023. The new law includes a ban on gambling inducements, such as bonuses or free bets. This move is aimed at curbing the allure of gambling and reducing the risk of gambling addiction among the population. In addition to this, the legal gambling age in Belgium will rise to 21 from the current level of 18.

This change is part of the country’s efforts to protect younger individuals from the potential harms of gambling. The law also strengthens a previously implemented gambling ad ban by prohibiting all forms of advertising unless specifically approved by the government.

Striking a balance

This measure is designed to limit the exposure of gambling activities to the public. These new rules were first passed by Belgium’s Chamber of Representatives in January. The bill was originally proposed by Green MP Stefaan Van Hecke, (pictured above), who spent five years campaigning for these changes. Interestingly, the country’s National Lottery has been exempted from the new rules, with neither the ad ban nor the age rise applying to the organization.

This exemption has sparked controversy among some MPs. Despite these stricter regulations, there are concerns about the growth of Belgium’s black market. Critics argue that the enhanced regulations could drive players to the unlicensed market. A survey released by the Belgian Association of Gaming Operators (BAGO) in December showed that 43 percent of vulnerable respondents admitted to gambling on an unlicensed site in the past three months. The association estimated that 16 percent of total player spending is directed towards the unlicensed market. These new regulations represent Belgium’s commitment to responsible gambling. However, the challenge remains to balance the need for player protection with the risk of driving players towards unregulated markets.

———-Stop Press: The next SiGMA Africa Summit takes place in Cape Town between 11-13 March ! SiGMA Africa event kicks off in Cape Town, South Africa on the 11 March. Building on the success of its inaugural edition in Nairobi, Kenya, in January 2023, SiGMA Group recognizes the need to foster collaboration and innovation within the industry.