Gambling winnings tax: What you need to know as a player in Belgium
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22 Nov 2024 •
Reading time: 3 minutes 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.
This article explains it clearly, so that you know what to expect. Whether you’re spending an evening in the casino, playing online, or taking a chance on your favorite sport, here are the basics.
When are your gambling winnings tax-free?
In Belgium, most gambling winnings are tax-free – thank goodness! However, it does depend on the type of game and where you play. The rules are actually quite simple:
- Casinos and online gambling on recognized Belgian sites
- If you play on a Belgian website with a license or in a recognized casino, your winnings are completely tax-free. This applies to poker, roulette, and other popular games of chance. This rule also applies to sports betting, so if you play via a reliable Belgian site, you don’t have to worry about taxes.
- National Lottery lotteries
- Winnings from the Lotto, EuroMillions, scratch cards or other National Lottery lotteries are also tax-free. So if you win the jackpot with a scratch card, you can keep the entire amount.
- Sports betting
- The same rule applies to sports betting: as long as you play on recognised Belgian platforms, the winnings are tax-free. The tax on sports betting is arranged directly by the provider, so that you as a player don’t have any hassle.
Be careful with foreign gambling sites
Are you playing on a foreign site that is not officially recognised by the Belgian Gaming Commission? Then you may be in for a surprise. Belgian law states that playing on an unlicensed site is actually not allowed, and winnings that you book there fall outside the tax-free rules.
If the tax authorities get wind of your winnings, they can ask you to hand over a portion. You also run the risk of fines. So, a word of warning: stick to the legal Belgian options if you want to avoid tax hassles.
What if you have made gambling your profession?
Do you gamble so often that it almost feels like work? Then the tax authorities may see you as a “professional” gambler. In that case, your winnings can be considered taxable income.
Think, for example, of people who play poker full-time or are active in the e-sports world. How do you determine whether you gamble “professionally”? That depends on how often and how much you play and whether you really live off your winnings. For most people, however, gambling is just a hobby, and these winnings are tax-free.
The role of gambling providers
Although you as a player usually do not have to pay tax on your winnings, gambling companies do have to. They pay a portion of their income to the state. This ensures that you as a player are not taxed, as long as you play with the official, legal providers. The system is set up in such a way that the tax is paid directly by the provider, so that you as a player can collect your winnings without any hassle.
Tips for Belgian players
For those who regularly take a gamble, here are a few practical tips:
- Play on recognized Belgian platforms
This is the way to ensure that your winnings remain tax-free and that you remain within the law. - Be careful with large winnings on foreign sites
Sometimes it seems attractive to play on foreign sites, but those winnings can result in tax liability. If you really play for large amounts, it is wise to stay in Belgium. - Keep it as a hobby
Most players do not have to worry about taxation, but if you are unsure whether you are being too professional, it can be useful to seek advice from a tax advisor.
Belgium makes it easy for players: if you win at a recognized provider, you do not have to pay tax!