News

Las Vegas, 16 July 2025. After eleven days of breathless suspense, the World Series of Poker Main Event is drawing to a close. Belgian Kenny Hallaert, one of the great stories of this XXL tournament, finished in fourth place.

Sensation

PokerStars aims to return to the Dutch market

Nathalie Maes

PokerStars.com is working hard to re-enter the Dutch market. They want to allow players from the Netherlands back in through an alternative path. However, because they do not hold the necessary license, they are currently exploring the possibility of partnering with another legal entity.

Economy

EGBA welcomes Yaspa, a fast-growing fintech

Maxime R.

Yaspa, a fintech specialising in open payments, has joined the European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) as a new associate member. This strategic alliance reinforces the shared ambitions of the two entities: to make secure and fluid payments a pillar of trust in a constantly evolving digital environment.

Sensation

The Ksa is cracking down on gambling advertisements in commercial newspapers

Glen L.

The Kansspelautoriteit (Ksa) has taken a decisive step: not only is it now identifying advertisements for illegal gambling in newspapers and magazines, but it is also imposing stiff penalties, including financial penalties. Until now, its intervention had been limited mainly to raising awareness and providing advice.

Legislation

Gambling club loterie nationale chiffres cijfers 2023

When the National Lottery invades Belgian festivals

Julien D.

For two decades, the National Lottery has been rolling out its famous ‘Cut, Scratch, Win’ campaign at some of Belgium’s biggest festivals. Officially fun, eco-responsible and festive, this operation masks a disturbing reality: a massive promotional campaign for a gambling product, in a context where other operators are simply not allowed to exist.

Sensation

Prohibited betting options: Kansspelautoriteit reprimands ZEbetting and Betca

Nathalie Maes

The Kansspelautoriteit (Ksa) was forced to take action against prohibited betting options. Both ZEbetting and Betca were summoned for a reprimand.

Sensation

United Kingdom: Will gambling tax explode?

Glen L.

The UK government is considering raising the tax on online gambling from 21% to a record 41%. The move, which would be one of the most aggressive in the UK gambling industry’s tax history, is part of a budgetary strategy to plug a public deficit estimated at more than £30 billion.

Economy

The rock-hard psychology behind casino games: here’s what you need to know

Ron Emmerink

Gambling is not just about winning money. Belgian players return mainly because of the feeling of excitement and thrill. Every bet provides a new adrenaline rush. When a player wins, dopamine is released – the “happy hormone” that creates euphoria.

Sensation

Belgium’s Kenny Hallaert could become WSOP champion tonight

Alex D.

The 2025 World Series of Poker Main Event in Las Vegas saw an unexpected face emerge among the four finalists: Kenny Hallaert, a Belgian professional from Hansbeke. A performance that confirms his status as a poker icon in Belgium.

Sensation

How Wimbledon is stopping live betting cheats

Sarah C.

For the 2025 edition of Wimbledon, the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club has broken new ground. Gone are the suspects spotted solely via the bookmakers’ odds: Wimbledon is now deploying undercover agents (“spotters”) in the stands to track down courtsiders, the live bettors who exploit the time lag between the actual point and its televised broadcast.

Sensation

A lootbox shaped like a treasure chest in a cave

Netherlands: loot boxes escape the law

Alex D.

The Netherlands has just delivered a damning report: despite clear guidelines on consumer protection in the face of video game monetisation practices, the majority of publishers continue to flout the regulations. A new university study reveals that 90% of popular iPhone games do not comply with legal obligations regarding loot boxes. And the most worrying thing? It’s often the biggest companies that break the rules with impunity.

Sensation

How did Bagnères-de-Luchon stop the return of the casino in its tracks?

Sarah C.

On 9 July 2025, a tense town council put an abrupt end to plans to reopen the Bagnères-de-Luchon casino. Golden Palace’s proposal was rejected by 10 votes to 9, consigning to oblivion a project that had been two years in the making. It was a slap in the face that the spa had not anticipated.

Sensation

Gambling club casino news uk gambling commission

UKGC reform: fines based on revenue

Glen L.