The difference between legal and illegal providers
You hear it a lot, the “illegal” vs. the “legal” offer of games of chance. What does this actually mean? The biggest difference is of course that these providers (casinos or bookmakers) have not been granted a license by a Gaming Commission from the country. In Belgium this is the Gaming Commission, in the Netherlands the Gaming Authority, etc… These organizations ensure that each casino follows the legislation of the country in question. They are there to correct, punish and adjust the providers with the aim of guaranteeing player protection.
Gambling at illegal online casinos poses a significant risk to players. These websites operate without the necessary licenses and therefore fall outside the supervision of the Gaming Commission in Belgium. As a result, there is no guarantee that the games are fair and as a player you can be faced with very uncomfortable surprises such as the non-payment of winnings or the manipulation of games. The lack of supervision also means that there is no adequate protection if you show possible addiction symptoms, which can lead to serious financial and personal problems.
What are the risks of playing with illegal providers?
- Your data will be sold to other illegal providers, which means that you will be bombarded with gambling advertising. Even if gambling advertising is prohibited in your country, you will now only be drawn into the illegal circuit more, which increases the risk. Also think of your bank details, where the risks are much greater.
- In the event of disputes, you are on your own. In the event that the casino violates the rules of the country and you are disadvantaged, there is also no legislation that will protect you, while you would have this at a legal casino.
- It is also the case that the legal player protection does not apply to illegal websites. As a player, you are much more exposed to the risks of gambling, which in extreme cases can lead to financial problems, addiction and social dramas.
How do you recognize a legal online casino?
Illegal casinos are often indistinguishable from licensed operators. They often use logos and trademarks of official bodies such as the Gaming Commission and other bodies. A tip is to check before you decide to play whether the casino where you want to play is not fraudulent.
- Legal Belgian casinos are required to display the following logo on the front page of their website. Therefore, always check the footer of the page to see if you see the well-known “Always Play Legally”. When you click on this, you will also be directed to the website.
- There is a blacklist that has been drawn up by the KSC. Since illegal casinos often change domain names to escape sanctions. It is also possible that they are not on the list, it is best to check with a search engine such as Google whether there are any complaints. Never trust permits that only apply outside Belgium, such as those issued in Malta or any other country. Pay attention and time before you become the victim of fraud.