The KSC overwhelmed by a booming gambling market
•
25 Jul 2024 •
Reading time: 2 minutes The gambling sector in Belgium is booming, driven by the success of online platforms and the craze for sports betting. However, this dynamism masks a worrying reality: the Gaming Commission (KSC), responsible for regulating this market, is overwhelmed and under-equipped. Faced with the rapid expansion of the sector, the CJH is struggling to ensure effective control, jeopardizing the protection of players and the integrity of the market.
The gambling market: exponential growth
The figures speak for themselves: the revenue generated by gambling in Belgium reached new heights in 2023, well over one billion euros. The number of players, whether online or in physical establishments, continues to increase. This meteoric growth can be explained in part by the proliferation of gaming offers.
Lack of resources
To cope with this expansion, the KSC should have substantial human and financial resources. However, the opposite is happening. The Commission’s staff has decreased in recent years, even though its missions have become more complex. The control unit, responsible for verifying compliance with the legislation, is particularly undersized.
Paradoxically, the KSC does not lack financial resources. Gaming operators pay significant contributions to the Commission. This represents approximately 8 million euros, of which 3.5 million are intended for staff. But part of this money remains unused.
The KSC also imposes fines on illegal operators. Since 2018, we are talking about almost 6 million euros imposed. Due to a lack of staff and resources, only 11% of these fines have actually been collected.
There are many reasons for this situation: complex recruitment procedures, dependence on the FPS Justice and a lack of flexibility in human resources management.
Consequences of a lack of control
The consequences of this situation are multiple. First of all, player protection is threatened. A weak regulator leaves the door open to illegal practices and scams. Secondly, the integrity of the market is undermined. An unregulated market is more vulnerable to manipulation and conflicts of interest.
Call for reform
Faced with this critical situation, Magali Clavie, President of the KSC, is calling for in-depth reform. In particular, she is asking that the Commission be able to manage its recruitment autonomously and that the new regulations be accompanied by the resources necessary for their application.
The Gaming Commission is at a turning point. If it does not quickly have the resources necessary to fulfil its missions, it risks losing all credibility. The public authorities must become aware of the urgency of the situation and act without delay.