The famous online gambling operator 888 Casino is preparing to make its big comeback in the Netherlands via a licence obtained by Godwits Limited. While this announcement has reignited interest in the gambling giant, one question remains in Belgium: is 888 Casino legal here? Spoiler alert: no, and there is currently no indication that it is in the process of being legalised.
888 Casino: a long-awaited return to the Netherlands
The international 888 group, known for its 888 Casino and 888 Sport platforms, has long been absent from the Dutch market. But a major change is underway: the licence recently granted to Godwits Limited, a subsidiary of the ComeOn Group, by the Kansspelautoriteit will enable 888 to relaunch its business in the Netherlands via the 888.nl website.
For the record, 888 had suspended its services in the Netherlands even before the online gaming law came into force, in the hope of returning in compliance with national rules. An initial announcement in 2023 suggested that a licence had been obtained, but this information proved to be incorrect. This time, the process seems to be finalised: although the site is not yet active, it will be back online imminently, according to the message posted on 888.nl.
What about Belgium? No licence, no legal offer
In Belgium, 888 Casino is not authorised to operate. At present, 888 does not hold a licence issued by the Belgian Gaming Commission (GC). In practical terms, this means that any activity by this online casino on Belgian territory is considered illegal. The 888.com and 888casino.com websites are blocked in Belgium, and the 888.nl website displays a page explaining that Belgians do not have access to the site.
The GC imposes particularly strict legislation: only platforms linked to a physical casino licensed in Belgium can legally operate an online gambling site. This is known as the ‘A+ or B+ licence’ system, which requires operators to have a physical presence in the country. 888 does not meet these criteria.
Could 888 Casino be coming to Belgium?
Although 888’s return to the Netherlands may raise hopes for a European expansion strategy, there is no indication to date that Belgium is one of the group’s priorities.
There is currently no official communication from the 888 group indicating that a licence application is pending for the Belgian market. It is therefore unlikely that 888 will turn to the Belgian market without overhauling its implementation strategy or partnering with a local physical operator, which is a prerequisite for obtaining a compliant licence.
What are the risks for Belgian players who still want to play at 888 Casino?
Some Belgian players use a VPN to access online casinos that have been blocked in Belgium due to a lack of licence. Players who voluntarily register on an unlicensed site are liable to administrative penalties, including fines of up to €25,000.
Furthermore, there is no recourse in the event of a dispute or fraudulent behaviour on the part of the operator.
We can only advise you to continue playing on sites that are legal in Belgium and thus avoid any unnecessary risks.