Belgium adopts stricter gambling law

Last Thursday, Belgium took a significant step in regulating gambling by adopting a new law. After four years of debate and legislative struggles, led notably by Stefaan Van Hecke (Groen), a new legal framework has been adopted to better protect consumers. This legislation, approved in a plenary session by the Chamber, aims to protect players and combat problematic practices associated with gambling. 

Major change: Raising the minimum age to 21

One of the key measures of this legislation is raising the legal age for participating in almost all forms of gambling to 21 years. Until now, some forms of gambling, such as sports betting, were accessible from 18 years of age. This measure, supported by the Flemish Expertise Centre for Alcohol and other Drugs (VAD), aims to protect young adults from the risks associated with gambling. 

Prohibition of bonuses and advertising restrictions 

The new regulation prohibits the use of bonuses to attract players. Online casinos and bookmakers will no longer be able to offer attractive promotions. 

Advertising for games of chance remains largely prohibited, but the government now has the possibility of granting exceptions under certain conditions.

Other measures include the prohibition of combining multiple gaming licenses on the same website, the end of the expansion of so-called “3.3” slot machines that, until now, escaped all control, and enhanced controls for gaming operators regarding underage players. 

These new measures aim to prevent incentives to gamble, especially among young players, and to reduce the normalization and social acceptance of gambling. 

Exceptions for the National Lottery 

The National Lottery again escapes most of these measures. The age limit to play lottery games remains 18 years, and the National Lottery is allowed to continue advertising the various forms of gambling it offers. 

This exception has provoked numerous criticisms. Politicians like Christoph D’Haese (N-VA) and Jean-Marie Dedecker (independent) have expressed their discontent about this exemption, highlighting the influence and impact of the National Lottery’s games, especially among the youth. 

Yet this opportunity to strengthen legislation on potentially addictive lottery products has also been cited as a missed opportunity.

Reactions from private gambling operators 

The private gambling industry, represented by the Belgian association of gaming operators (BAGO), once again expresses its concern. Operators fear that the prohibition of combining multiple licenses on the same website and the ban on advertising will push players towards illegal sites and complicate the prevention of problematic gambling behaviors.