Belgian expert on advertising ban: “Still too many loopholes in the law”

Bram Constandt, the gambling expert and professor of sports management at the University of Ghent, recently expressed his concerns about the effectiveness of the advertising ban for gambling companies in Belgium.

In an interview with the Australian radio station ABC Radio National, Constandt indicated that there are currently too many loopholes in the law. This makes it difficult to judge whether the ban is actually effective.

International attention for gambling advertisements

Australia is the focus of a broad debate this month on whether or not to introduce an advertising ban for gambling companies. While the 2023 Murphy report called for a total ban on gambling advertisements. It is now expected that only a relaxed ban will be introduced.

Gambling companies are still allowed to advertise under certain conditions. This development has led to an open letter from several former prime ministers. Who are pushing for stricter measures.

In this context, Bram Constandt was invited to share his insights about the Belgian situation. An advertising ban for gambling companies was introduced there last year. Constandt pointed out that it is still too early to draw definitive conclusions about the effectiveness of the ban.

Loopholes and future policies

Partly because certain forms of gambling advertising. Such as sports sponsorship in football is still allowed until January 2025.

Constandt emphasized that despite the advertising ban, gambling companies’ turnover has increased by 50% in the past two years. According to him, this increase is partly because the ban was only introduced in July last year. And partly because gambling companies still use loopholes in the law.

He called on the Belgian Gaming Commission to take stronger action against these practices. Although he also indicated that the Ksc is currently struggling with a staff shortage and a lack of resources.

Bonuses prohibited

From September, Belgian legislation for online gambling will be further tightened. Among other things, there will be a total ban on gambling advertisements. The minimum age for participation in online gambling is increased to 21 years.

And bonuses are completely banned. Constandt and other experts are looking forward to the effects of these measures on the gambling market.

When asked what Australia can learn from Belgium, Constandt advised to rely mainly on scientific evidence. And not on the gambling industry lobby. He emphasized the importance of a strong and well-funded regulator. This is necessary to effectively monitor compliance with the legislation.