Belgium takes a different approach to blocking illegal sites
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4 May 2026 •
Reading time: 2 minutes
A new legal framework now enables the Belgian authorities to block not only the platforms themselves, but also their entire digital ecosystem.
Belgium tightens the noose on illegal gambling sites
For several years, the Belgian authorities have been attempting to curb the proliferation of illegal gambling sites. Until now, the country relied mainly on a blacklist and on internet service providers blocking access. A method deemed insufficient in the face of operators capable of easily circumventing these restrictions.
The new legal framework, introduced by the FPS Economy, is no longer limited to blocking access to a site. It targets all the parties that enable its operation.
Six levels of intervention have been defined. Internet service providers must always block access to the sites in question. However, major technology companies may now be involved. Content delivery networks, such as those used to speed up website loading times, may be required to suspend their services. Search engines may be required to remove links leading to these platforms. Advertising networks, for their part, must cease all ad serving for these sites. Even domain name registrars are affected. They may be required to remove or block the domains in use. Finally, the authorities are also targeting alternative DNS services, often used to circumvent traditional blocks.
Strict obligations for intermediaries
The new framework does not target only illegal operators. It also imposes specific obligations on technical intermediaries.
In an official document, the authorities detail the measures that the companies concerned must implement.
“Each intermediary affected by the decision is liable to a one-off penalty payment of €500,000 in the event of non-compliance with any of the measures.”
They are also subject to a strict deadline: they must implement the measures within five days of notification.
A transformed user experience
Blocking is not simply a matter of making a website inaccessible. Internet users who attempt to access it will be redirected to a warning page. This measure serves to inform users and remind them of the illegal nature of these platforms and the associated risks.
Dozens of sites already blocked
According to Paul Laurant, a representative of the Belgian Office for the Fight against Online Piracy and Illegal Gambling, the first effects are already visible. On LinkedIn, he states that 49 sites have been blocked thanks to this new system.
With this new system, Belgium is adopting an ambitious and structured strategy to combat illegal gambling sites. The initial results are encouraging, but long-term effectiveness will depend on the ability to maintain this pressure.