Since the introduction of stricter Belgian gambling regulations, such as the EPIS system and mandatory wagering limits, many gambling addicts have been trying to get their lives on track. Yet this is far from always successful.
Tom (31) from Brussels tells:
“I was on all the blacklists, but within five minutes I was playing again via a foreign site. There they have no limits and don’t ask for anything.”
For others, the EPIS system actually does work. Sofie (28) from Antwerp shares her story:
“I had lost everything, until I had myself blocked via EPIS. It has been my salvation, although the temptation remains. But I know now that I can’t just play anywhere anymore.”
How Belgian gamblers tried to beat their addiction, and what often goes wrong
Many gamblers try to overcome their addiction through family, therapists or self-help groups. But the threshold remains high, and there is shame.
Peter (42) from Ostend:
“I felt weak because I had to seek help. Only when I had lost everything did I dare call the helpline. My bank account had been plundered. Now I am following a group programme.”
The stories often have one common denominator: once someone is blocked offline, they dive deeper into the illegal circuit online. There, supervision is lacking, and limits do not exist.
This is where Belgian gambling addicts find help, but the road remains tough
Fortunately, help is increasingly available in Belgium, although far from all gamblers know where to turn.
Many of them find support through:
- The Helpline of the Gambling Commission
- Self-help groups such as Gokhulp
- Psychological centres specialised in addiction
Most experienced experts stress that seeking help is often the hardest part. One counsellor says:
“Most gambling addicts only call when they have lost everything. That’s why we need to lower the threshold, and keep warning about illegal sites that tempt everyone back.”