Betting is not without risk: The GC wants to protect players
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10 Jun 2026 •
Reading time: 4 minutes
With the 2026 Football World Cup approaching, the GC reminds the public that sports betting, which is growing rapidly in Belgium, is not without risk. In a press release dated 10 June 2026, the regulatory authority urges players to exercise caution, insists on the exclusive use of legal sites and highlights the self-exclusion tools available.
Growing popularity in Belgium
Sports betting is playing an increasingly significant role in gambling habits in Belgium. On licensed betting sites alone, nearly 500,000 active player accounts have been recorded. This figure illustrates the scale of the phenomenon, but also the associated need for protection.
86% of gross gaming revenue from betting relates to sports betting. Of this, three-quarters relates to football. In other words, this sport alone accounts for a large proportion of betting activity in the country.
Every major football tournament leads to a dramatic surge in activity. The recent experience of EURO 2024 demonstrated this: during that competition, 109,029 player accounts were created and 31,481 new players registered. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaching, the Gaming Commission is therefore anticipating a new peak in activity.
The Chair of the Gaming Commission, Magali Clavie, wishes to emphasise that sports betting should not be trivialised. In the press release, she stresses the need to preserve its recreational nature.
“Whilst sports betting can be fun, it also carries real risks, both financial and personal, and it is essential that it is practised responsibly. Our priority is and remains the protection of players. To mark the World Cup, we want to convey a three-fold message to ensure that betting remains purely recreational and that gambling does not become problematic.”
1: Bet only on legal Belgian sites
The Gaming Commission’s first message is simple: players must use only legal Belgian sites. Belgium has 25 licensed sports betting sites.
These sites are subject to strict requirements designed to protect players. Their activities are supervised, monitored and regulated. The list of authorised sites is available on the Gaming Commission’s website.
This is an important point, as all other sites are illegal in Belgium. Some may appear attractive, have a polished interface or give the impression of being reliable. But according to the Commission, playing on them exposes you to significant risks.
2: Only bet what you can afford to lose
The Commission emphasises a basic rule: only bet amounts that you can comfortably afford to lose. Betting must not jeopardise your personal, family or professional finances. Nor should it become a means of hoping to offset financial difficulties.
The Commission also highlights an important point for football fans: knowing the sport does not allow you to outwit chance. Even excellent knowledge of teams, players or competitions never guarantees the result of a match.
3: When gambling becomes problematic
According to the Commission, there are several signs that may indicate gambling is becoming problematic. Spending more than intended is one of them. This is a particularly important sign, as it shows that the gambler is losing control of the limit they had set for themselves.
Guilt is another indicator. If a person feels uneasy after placing a bet, hides their wagers or regularly regrets their decisions, betting may no longer be a recreational activity. Comments from loved ones are also a warning sign that should be taken seriously. Those close to the person may sometimes notice changes in behaviour, tension or a growing obsession with gambling more quickly.
Finally, the Commission highlights the tendency to prioritise betting at the expense of other activities. When betting takes precedence over leisure, work, family, social relationships or other obligations, the imbalance becomes a cause for concern.
Protection tools
Legal operators allow players to temporarily self-exclude from their platforms. The Gaming Commission also highlights EPIS, its self-exclusion tool. This tool allows users to block access to games and betting across Belgium in just a few clicks.
The Gaming Commission also refers users to its website arretezvousatemps.be. This portal brings together useful information on legal sites, responsible gambling, the risks associated with illegal sites, self-exclusion options and the support services available.
The message sent by the Gaming Commission ahead of the 2026 World Cup is clear. Sports betting may be seen as a form of entertainment, but it carries real risks. The popularity of football, the popularity of international competitions and the ease of access to online platforms can exacerbate these risks.