Belgian gaming legislation
Belgium has strict legislation for gambling and casinos. To regulate and monitor the industry, the country has established an extensive licensing system. The multi-casino licensing system plays a crucial role here as it provides a structure that allows different casinos to operate legally under strict conditions.
The gambling commission in Belgium
The responsibility for issuing and managing licenses lies with the Belgian Gaming Commission (GC). This body is responsible for monitoring compliance with Belgian gambling legislation. This legislation came into force in 1999 and has since been regularly updated to take into account developments in the market.
Types of permits
Class A permits
These are the licenses given to land-based casinos. There are only nine Class A permits available in Belgium. These licenses are required to run a land-based casino and are very popular due to their limited number.
Class B permits
Operators of amusement arcades are entitled to Class B permits. These permits allow operators to place slot machines and other gambling machines in certain halls outside the casinos.
Class C permits
These permits are for operators of gaming machines in catering establishments such as cafés. They only allow catering companies a limited number of gambling machines.
Class E permits
Suppliers and distributors of gambling materials such as slot machines and software for online gambling may have Class E licenses.
License F: Betting offices in Belgium
In Belgium, betting offices operate under the specific License F, which is issued by the Belgian Gaming Commission (GC). This license is necessary to operate betting offices where sports betting and other gambling activities are offered.
F1 License: This is intended for betting organizers, such as companies that offer and manage the betting. This license allows operators to organize and operate betting markets, both physically in betting shops and online.
Online Licenses (Class A+ and B+)
Moreover, Belgium has a system for online gambling in addition to the physical licenses. Online casinos that are linked to a land-based casino with a Class A license receive a Class A+ license. Operators of online slot machine arcades require Class B+ permits.
The Multi-Casino Licensing System
Location permits
Each permit is linked to a specific location. This means that every location where an operator wants to run a casino needs its own license. By preventing the management of one permit for multiple locations, this system prevents one operator from acquiring a monopoly position.
Partnerships
The multi-casino licensing system allows operators to work together to undertake projects. For example, as long as each operator has the appropriate permits, this could mean several operators working together to manage an online platform.
Strict Compliance and Control
Strict rules and controls of the GC must be adhered to by operators. This includes providing openness about financial information, ensuring that the games are fair, and protecting players from problematic gambling behavior. The GC regularly conducts audits to ensure that operators comply with these rules.