Playing at an online casino in Belgium: what’s changing on 1 May 2025
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22 Apr 2025 •
Reading time: 4 minutes From 1 May 2025, Belgian players will have to verify their identity before they can deposit money or play at an online casino. This new measure, imposed by the Gaming Commission, aims to strengthen security, prevent fraud and encourage more responsible gambling. Verification will be possible via the Itsme application or an electronic identity card. Players are advised to prepare now to avoid any disruption to access to their account.
1 May 2025 will mark an important development for online casino players in Belgium. From that date, a new identity verification procedure will be imposed on all users, a major change in the regulation of gambling. What does this mean for players and how can they prepare for these new measures?
The new rules: compulsory verification before playing
Until now, Belgian casino players only had to create an account in order to play. However, what is new, and will come into force on 1 May 2025, is the requirement to verify identity before being able to deposit money or start playing. The purpose of this step is to ensure that the person playing is who they claim to be, thus avoiding any fraud or identity theft.
The main aim of this reform is to increase the security of players and prevent risky behaviour, in particular problems of excessive gambling or unauthorised use of accounts.
Options for verifying your identity
To meet this new requirement, players will have two main options for proving their identity:
- Via the Itsme app: This mobile application, which is already widely used in Belgium, enables identity to be verified quickly and securely. The application will be available on most approved online gaming platforms. It is a simple and practical option for players.
- Via electronic identity card (eID): Players can also use their Belgian electronic identity card to carry out verification. All they need is a suitable reader or, if the platform allows it, a scanned photo of their identity card.
These two methods will ensure that only the account holder can make deposits or bets, thus preventing any fraudulent use.
Why is this measure being introduced?
This reform is part of a wider effort by the Gaming Commission (GC) to strengthen the regulation of gambling in Belgium. The systematic verification of identities has several objectives:
- Greater security: By preventing identity theft and guaranteeing that each player is who they claim to be.
- Making players more accountable: By enabling gambling behaviour to be better tracked, which can help prevent excessive or problematic behaviour.
- Transparent and rigorous supervision: Online gaming operators will have to put in place effective systems to ensure that these checks are carried out.
In this way, this reform is seen as a step towards a safer gambling environment that respects security and responsibility standards.
What can I do to be ready on 1 May 2025?
Belgian players are advised to start preparing for these changes now. Here are a few practical tips to avoid any interruptions to play once the new rules are in place:
- Check that your account is up to date: Make sure that your personal details and your account are activated. If you haven’t already done so, it may be a good idea to update your details.
- Install or update the Itsme application: If you choose to use this application for identity verification, it is essential that you have installed and updated it on your device before the deadline.
- Prepare your eID card: If you prefer to use your eID for verification, make sure your card is in working order and that you have the necessary equipment to use it.
A step towards safer, more responsible gaming
The move to a compulsory identity verification procedure is intended to offer Belgian players a more secure and transparent gaming environment. As well as protecting against fraud, these measures should also encourage a more responsible approach to gambling. By being stricter about player identity, the GC hopes to reduce the risk of problem gambling and boost confidence in online casinos.
For players, this new step comes with an opportunity to take greater control of their gaming experience, within a more rigid and controlled framework. The important thing is not to wait until the last moment to comply with the rules and enjoy the gaming platforms with complete peace of mind from 1 May 2025.