Since the Royal Decree of 27 February 2023 came into force, Belgium has tightened its rules on gambling advertising. However, one major player is an exception: the National Lottery, owned by the State, enjoys a privileged position. This inequality has provoked strong protests from Groen, the Flemish ecologist party.
A risk of normalisation early in life
The National Lottery is considered to offer “less risky” games (scratch cards, lottery) and therefore escapes the ban. For Stefaan Van Hecke, Groen group leader in the Chamber of Deputies, this distinction between “less dangerous” games and others is more subjective than objective.
Worrying figures confirm his fears: according to the VAD (2023) centre of expertise, 29% of secondary school pupils have already played scratch cards and 18% the Lotto. Among 12-14 year-olds, the Lotto is even more popular than among 15-18 year-olds.
When the Lottery goes beyond the limits
The National Lottery is no longer confined to traditional games. Its online platform now includes “Woohoo”-type games. Bet, click, win or lose. Genuine mini-slot machines.
The Gaming Commission recently ruled that this is online gambling – and the Lottery has no licence to do so. Several private operators have taken the matter to court, leading to a formal complaint. The final decision expected from the criminal court will determine whether the Lottery has been operating as an illegal online casino for years. If the court concludes that it was indeed offering online games without a valid licence, it could be penalised.
Political and economic stakes
BAGO has already expressed its irritation: how can it accept being subject to strict regulation when the Lottery, its state competitor, enjoys a more flexible regime? The next parliamentary vote could see the parties take sides, at a time when public opinion is becoming increasingly sensitive to the public health issues associated with gambling.This debate is not just about legal equality: it raises important issues of public protection. Statistics on the early use of gambling confirm a young audience, easily influenced via ads, radio and digital banners.