Minimum Gambling Age Standardized

The Belgian Gaming Commission (KSC) has announced a new gambling law set to take effect on September 1, 2024. This law will raise the minimum gambling age to 21 and introduce stricter regulations for Belgian gambling providers.

Key Points:

• Currently, there are different minimum age requirements in Belgium for land-based (21) and online (18) gambling.
• With the new law, a uniform minimum age of 21 will apply to all forms of gambling in Belgium.
• The law also mandates identity verification devices in all Belgian gambling establishments since 2023 to ensure compliance.

Additional Restrictions for Belgian Operators

In addition to raising the minimum age, the new law in Belgium also bans gambling advertising, free bets, bonuses, and gifts used to attract players starting September 1. Advertising for iGaming on websites offering sports betting, bingo, or poker will also be prohibited. Offering multiple forms of online gambling on a single website will no longer be allowed.

Football Stadium Advertising Ban

From January 1, 2025, gambling advertising in football stadiums will be prohibited. This extended deadline gives Belgian football clubs time to find new advertising partners.

Expansion of Advertising Bans in Europe

Belgium joins other European countries like the Netherlands, Italy, and Norway in implementing gambling advertising bans to enhance player protection and addiction prevention. However, concerns remain about the effectiveness of such bans in combating the illegal gambling market.

Criticism from Belgian Gaming Association

The Belgian Gaming Association (BAGO) has criticized the new law, stating that while they supported restrictions on gambling advertising, the complete ban may have unintended consequences. The association believes that the policy overlooks their proposed solutions and opts for populist measures.

The new gambling law has already been approved by the Belgian Parliament, raising doubts about the impact of the association’s criticism.