Illegal lotteries: the UK takes a tougher stance
The UK gambling regulator intends to step up its efforts against illegal lotteries, at a time when charitable lotteries are experiencing unprecedented growth in the UK.
The UK gambling regulator intends to step up its efforts against illegal lotteries, at a time when charitable lotteries are experiencing unprecedented growth in the UK.
The Court of Justice of the European Union has handed down an important ruling for players seeking to recover money from online gambling operators. The ruling concerns a dispute between an Austrian player and the online casino Mr Green, centring on a debt of over €62,000.
Betting on sports matches, TV programmes and even the weather has been around for years. But what about elections? In various countries, punters can place bets on political outcomes, such as presidential elections or which party will win the most votes. Belgian punters also regularly come across these markets at international bookmakers.
For years, iGaming faced the same criticism: the same slots, the same sportsbook layouts, the same campaigns centered around major football matches. Yet, the sector is currently changing faster than many players realize.
Online gambling is increasingly found in the pockets of young users. What is currently leading to political unrest in the United States is sounding more and more familiar in Belgium.
Waiting for a casino payout remains one of the biggest frustrations in online gambling. Some players wait days for their money. Other casinos process a withdrawal within minutes. This difference is becoming increasingly important in Belgium, where players expect speed and reliability.
No. Cresus Online Casino does not hold an operating licence issued by the Belgian Gaming Commission (GC) and operates entirely illegally within Belgium.
Football betting remains incredibly popular in Belgium. Especially during Champions League nights, top matches from the Premier League, and matchdays in the Jupiler Pro League, the number of live bets skyrockets.
Google has amended its advertising policy to allow, from 4 May 2026, certain promotions related to gambling in Alberta. This change comes ahead of the planned opening of the province’s regulated online gambling market, set for 13 July 2026, with strict rules for operators.
Block your deposits, protect your banking data, and avoid the spiral of secondary fraud: having played at a casino not authorized by the Gaming Commission (KSC) requires immediate action.
Belgium stands out as an exception in Europe within the online gambling sector. It has chosen a unique path, based on strict regulation and enhanced player protection.
In Belgium, there are some specific rules for gambling winnings tax. This may sound complicated, but it basically means that you can usually collect your winnings tax-free – as long as you play through the official channels.
The Court of Justice of the European Union confirms that each Member State remains free to regulate gambling within its territory. This ruling clarifies the status of foreign licences.
The Constitutional Court has highlighted inequalities in the application of the rules, particularly those benefiting the National Lottery and certain establishments. It has called for a thorough review of the legal framework.
For the first time, thousands of players could be reimbursed for their losses on illegal gambling sites, whilst national and European courts clash over the validity of these contracts.
The famous online gambling operator 888 Casino is preparing to make its big comeback in the Netherlands via a licence obtained by Godwits Limited. While this announcement has reignited interest in the gambling giant, one question remains in Belgium: is 888 Casino legal here? Spoiler alert: no, and there is currently no indication that it is in the process of being legalised.