The Belgian Parliament approved a law raising the minimum age for gambling to 21. This means that in Belgium, participation in gambling will only be allowed from the age of 21. Additionally, a general ban on gambling advertising of any kind is being prepared.

Minimum Gambling Age Raised from 18 to 21

The Belgian Parliament voted to raise the minimum gambling age from 18 to 21, with the national lottery being the only exception. The law also prohibits combining multiple licenses on the same website, as well as bonuses and promotions aimed at encouraging gambling.

New Law Aims to Protect Young Problem Gamblers

Experts believe that raising the minimum gambling age is long overdue, as problem gambling has increased significantly in recent years. The Belgian expert panel on alcohol, drugs, and gambling has also recommended raising the minimum age as an important step in addiction prevention, especially for young people.

Extensive Gambling Advertising Ban Planned

The law also includes a general ban on gambling advertising for all types of gambling, such as banning gambling ads on sports jerseys and in stadiums. Sports clubs and operators will have four years to remove gambling advertising and find new sponsors.

Controversial Law Sparks Debate

The initial proposal to raise the minimum gambling age was submitted to Parliament in 2019 and has sparked heated debates, particularly regarding the advertising ban. After multiple rejections and referrals to the State Council, the law was finally approved by a majority of members, with only one vote against it.

It remains to be seen how the gambling industry will respond to the new law and when it will come into effect.