In Belgium, betting operator Ladbrokes has been at the centre of a legal controversy after offering virtual betting without a clear legal framework. Initially authorised by the Gaming Commission (GC) in 2014, it was sanctioned in 2018 for continuing this activity after this authorisation was withdrawn. In 2024, the Conseil d’Etat made the final ruling: virtual betting cannot be offered under the F1+ licence, which is reserved for real sporting events. At the same time, an investigation by the European Commission concluded in 2025 that Ladbrokes had not benefited from illegal State aid, bringing to a close a long regulatory debate on simulated betting in Belgium.
The world of gambling in Belgium was recently rocked by a case pitting operator Ladbrokes against the regulatory authorities. At the heart of the debate are virtual bets, simulations of sporting events on which players can place bets. Between controversial authorisations, sanctions and legal clarification, this case illustrates the challenges of regulating gambling in the digital age. A look back at a saga that has involved the Gaming Commission, the Conseil d’État and even the European Commission.
A controversial authorisation
In 2014, Ladbrokes, a major sports betting operator in Belgium, obtained authorisation from the Gaming Commission (GC) to offer virtual betting, both online and in its physical branches. This decision, communicated by e-mail, quickly raised questions among competitors, notably Rocoluc NV and European Amusement Company NV, who felt that Ladbrokes was benefiting from an unjustified competitive advantage.
In 2018, the GC penalised Ladbrokes for continuing to offer virtual betting after the withdrawal of its initial authorisation. On 3 September 2018, the operator had its licence suspended for 24 hours, affecting its 300 branches, partner bookshops and online activities. This sanction, although symbolic, marks a desire on the part of the authorities to reaffirm compliance with the rules in force.
Legal clarification and a ban on virtual betting
On 7 October 2024, the Belgian Council of State handed down a major ruling, reiterating that virtual betting cannot be offered under an F1+ licence, which is reserved for sports betting on real events. This decision confirms that virtual betting falls under the heading of automatic games of chance, requiring an A+ or B+ licence, generally associated with online casinos.
This clarification puts an end to a regulatory grey area and obliges operators to adapt their offerings accordingly. The GC has announced that it will be stepping up its checks to ensure compliance with this ban.
European investigation and conclusion
At the same time, in 2019, the European Commission is opening an investigation into whether Ladbrokes benefited from illegal state aid by obtaining an exclusive licence for virtual betting. After a thorough investigation, the Commission concludes in April 2025 that the communications from the GC to Ladbrokes do not constitute State aid, as they do not confer exclusive rights or involve public resources.
This European decision closes a complex chapter in the regulation of online gambling in Belgium, underlining the importance of a clear and fair legal framework for all operators.