Belgium: the N-VA wants to reduce casino tax
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26 Feb 2026 •
Reading time: 2 minutes
A bill initiated by the N-VA aims to substantially change the tax treatment of land-based casinos in Belgium.
A controversial political initiative
On 25 February 2026, the N-VA, an influential Flemish political party, submitted an ambitious bill to the Belgian Parliament. Alongside the mayor of Middelkerke, Jean-Marie Dedecker, MPs want to reverse a tax reform introduced on 1 January 2024. Until this federal reform, the regional tax on games of chance could be deducted as a business expense by casino companies. The decision to make it non-deductible, taken under the previous coalition led by Alexander De Croo, was criticised by operators because it significantly increased the tax burden on land-based establishments.
Why is this tax controversial?
In Belgium, gambling taxation is a regional competence, which means that each region decides its own rate based on the gross gaming revenue generated by operators located within its territory. This fiscal autonomy stems from institutional reforms that have gradually transferred many taxes to the regions.
The 2024 measure, which removed the possibility of deducting this tax as an expense in calculating corporation tax, was interpreted by operators as a double penalty. Not only do they pay a regional tax, but they can no longer reduce the tax base of their taxable profit. According to several players in the sector, this artificially increases their operating costs, particularly when faced with competitors operating without a licence or from abroad.
Support from coastal towns
The N-VA’s initiative did not remain isolated. Several mayors of coastal towns, where land-based casinos are concentrated, lent their support. Among them is John Crombez, mayor of Ostend, an unexpected figurehead in support of this text. His support is all the more notable given that his political party, Vooruit, is traditionally critical of the gambling industry. According to him and his colleagues from the municipalities of Knokke-Heist, Blankenberge and Middelkerke, the current measure puts legal establishments at a disadvantage.
These municipalities, along with other cities such as Namur, Brussels, Spa, Dinant and Chaudfontaine, are home to the nine land-based casinos officially authorised in Belgium.
Despite the support of local leaders, the bill faces strong opposition within the government. Rob Beenders, Minister for Consumer Protection and member of the Vooruit party, has rejected the initiative. In his view, tax breaks are not in line with Belgium’s current gaming policy.
Political and economic analysts believe that the bill is unlikely to be passed in its current form.