Belgium implements new rules banning all under 21s from gambling

Belgium Enacts New Legislation Standardizing the Minimum Gambling Age at 21

In a significant policy shift, Belgium has established a new minimum gambling age of 21 years across its entire gambling sector. This regulation harmonizes age requirements for sports betting, arcades, and bingo with those of land-based casinos, where the legal age has been set at 21 since 2018. These changes, agreed upon in February 2024 and formalized by royal decree, mark a pivotal evolution in the country’s gambling legislation, repealing numerous laws that have governed the sector for decades.

This new law represents Belgium’s ongoing initiative to strengthen regulation within its gambling industry. It follows the enactment of a royal decree in 2023 that aimed to impose a near-total ban on gambling advertising. Coupled with changes introduced in 2020, which included the prohibition of bonuses and free bets, and the implementation of a €200 (£171.48/$216.54) weekly deposit limit, the regulatory landscape for Belgian gambling has become increasingly stringent. Additionally, the new legislation restricts the accumulation of online licenses on the same website, further tightening operational parameters for licensed operators.

Concerns Over the Growth of the Illegal Gambling Market in Belgium

The decision to raise age restrictions has been advocated by VAD, the Flemish Centre of Expertise for Alcohol, Illegal Drugs, Psychoactive Medication, Gambling, and Gaming. VAD argues that enhancing age regulations is a fiscally responsible measure aimed at mitigating gambling addiction among youth. However, the new legislation has raised alarms among licensed gambling operators, who fear that these changes may inadvertently drive consumers toward unregulated offshore sites.

Insights from a recent report released by Belgium-based operator Gaming1 underscore the potential ramifications of overregulation on the legitimate market. The report highlights findings from surveys conducted by Nepa in 2023, which revealed a worrying 6% increase in online players utilizing illegal gambling websites within three months following the advertising ban. Moreover, a 4% rise was noted in the deposits made on these unauthorized platforms.

Gaming1’s report reflects broader industry concerns, citing two significant studies that illustrate the alarming expansion of illegal operators. The Belgian Gaming Commission (BGC) maintains a blacklist of 500 illegal sites, while research from Yield Sec indicates a staggering 4.4-fold increase in illegal operators within the year 2023, identifying a total of 2,214 illicit websites. These findings underscore the urgent need for the Belgian government to reconsider its regulatory approach to balance consumer protection and industry viability.

As Belgium grapples with the complexities of gambling regulation, striking a balance between responsible gaming practices and fostering a sustainable legal marketplace will be paramount. The developments in the country will serve as a critical case study for other jurisdictions navigating the challenges of gambling policy in an increasingly digital landscape.