Gaming Commission summarizes 2023: “The year of major changes for the gaming market”
Balance in the Belgian gambling market: online stabilizes, physical casinos recover!
The Belgian Gaming Commission (KSC), which regulates the gambling market in our country, has released its annual report for 2023. According to the Gaming Commission, it was a year of major change, with new rules being introduced such as the EPIS system for betting offices and restrictions on advertising for games of chance being further imposed.
New rules create workload
The Gaming Commission is working hard to implement these rules, despite legal uncertainty and a shortage of staff. Due to the increasing complexity of the gaming market and the number of players, the Gaming Commission is faced with a chronic staff shortage. However, the Gaming Commission also had bright spots.
“The Gaming Commission advocates strengthening the dialogue with all stakeholders and emphasizes the importance of an independent and effective regulator with the necessary resources to regulate the market and protect players.”
Magali Clavie · President of the Gaming Commission
The backlog in sanctions procedures was cleared and new initiatives were launched to protect players, such as a testimonials section on the website and the possibility of receiving guidance in the event of exclusion.
The online market is stabilizing
The online market is stabilizing, while physical gaming establishments are recovering from the COVID-19 crisis. The number of online players continues to increase, but growth appears to be slowing down.
The number of regular and new online players decreased in 2023. Players seemed to have found their way back to physical gaming establishments.
Challenges for 2024
In 2024, the Gaming Commission will continue to introduce important new rules, such as raising the minimum age to 21 years and banning online cumul.
The Gaming Commission believes that it is time for a thorough evaluation of the legislation and the operation of the organization. According to KSC, there is a need for a joint and constructive debate about the future of the gambling market in Belgium.