The latest news from the Casino world!
Gambling club casino news gaming commission cjh ksc en

End of gifts and benefits for players

The Gaming Commission has just tightened the rules on commercial practices in the gambling sector. Indeed, a new interpretation of Article 60 of the Gambling Act, which came into force on 1 September 2024, puts an end to certain common practices aimed at attracting or retaining players.

Reminder of Article 60

Article 60 of the Gambling Act, amended by the Act of 18 February 2024, now prohibits gambling operators from offering players gifts, meals, drinks or free or reduced-price travel. This ban aims to prevent any influence on players’ gaming behaviour and to create fairer conditions of competition between the different operators.

However, an exception is provided for class 1 casinos, which may offer benefits up to a maximum amount of €400 per player over a period of two months.

Interpretation by the Gaming Commission

To ensure uniform application of this new regulation, the Gaming Commission has published an interpretation document specifying the contours of the prohibition.

The main points to remember are as follows:

  • Limitation of rewards linked to gambling: Rewards linked to gambling are authorized provided that they are an integral part of the rules of the game and that they are offered fairly to all players.
  • Prohibition of discriminatory mechanisms: Advantages cannot be attributed based on the player’s behavior, the duration of play or any other individual criterion.
  • Prohibition of advantages outside the game: Gifts, game credits and any other form of advantage intended to influence the player’s behavior are strictly prohibited.
  • Ban on goods in kind: Operators cannot offer goods in kind outside of class 1 casinos, even if these goods must be collected in a physical class 1 casino.

Objectives of the new regulation

This new regulation has several objectives:

  • Protect players: By limiting incentives to gamble, the authorities hope to reduce the risks of addiction and gambling-related problems.
  • Ensure fairness: By prohibiting certain aggressive commercial practices, the Gaming Commission wishes to create a fairer gaming environment for all operators.
  • Strengthen control: This new interpretation of Article 60 will make it easier for the Gaming Commission to control whether operators comply with the regulations.

The Gaming Commission also specifies that this interpretation is purely informative and aims to ensure the greatest possible transparency. It obviously does not affect the power of the Gaming Commission to assess, on a case-by-case basis, in sanction procedures, whether or not there is an infringement of Article 60.

 | 

Caroline specializes in the casino industry, where she combines a deep knowledge of the gaming sector in France with a passion for digital innovations. She explores the changes that are revolutionizing this industry, from the integration of artificial intelligence in the user experience and data analysis to blockchain technologies that strengthen the security and transparency of transactions. Curious and committed, she is particularly interested in responsible gaming solutions and new regulations, addressing topics as varied as player protection, risky behavior management, and the importance of ethical practices.

Through her in-depth and accessible articles, Caroline allows readers to better understand the trends, innovations and challenges of a constantly changing industry. She takes care to demystify new technologies and to make the link between technical advances and their concrete implications for players and operators. Her goal? To offer an informed and balanced vision of a sector in full transition, between tradition and modernity, while contributing to a dialogue around more responsible and secure gaming.

Recommended

Casino Middelkerke in investigation for social fraud: chilling testimony of a former croupier

An investigation has been launched in Belgium against Casino Middelkerke over potential social fraud and possible human trafficking. The case stems from the complaint of a former Filipino employee, hired without a valid work permit and dismissed without proper procedure. A case that shakes the image of a once-respected establishment.

Playing at an online casino in Belgium: what’s changing on 1 May 2025

From 1 May 2025, Belgian players will have to verify their identity before they can deposit money or play at an online casino. This new measure, imposed by the Gaming Commission, aims to strengthen security, prevent fraud and encourage more responsible gambling.

Golden Palace unveils its vision of the casino of the future: local, friendly and entertaining

In our interview with Massimo Menegalli, CEO of Golden Palace, he shared his vision of the casino of the future.  Combining technological innovation, local roots and social ambition, the Belgian operator is designing a new generation of establishments where the casino becomes a genuine place of entertainment.