Belgium Proposes Sweeping Gambling Reforms to Curb Addiction Risks
Belgium's Gaming Commission (KSC) has submitted its formal opinion on a new bill aimed at strengthening player protection and compliance oversight. The proposed measures include stricter deposit limits, expanded exclusion systems, and tighter controls on betting licences.
Last month, the commission finalised new members, each appointed for six-year terms. The bill now faces further review before implementation. The draft legislation introduces several key changes to Belgium's gambling regulations. One proposal sets a weekly deposit cap of €200 per platform to limit player spending. Another extends the national exclusion system to bars, preventing problem gamblers from accessing slot machines in these venues. The bill also restricts the number of slot machines allowed in bars and imposes a cap on newsagent betting licences.
Credit card gambling faces partial restrictions, though the KSC opposes an outright ban. Instead, it supports reforms to reduce risks while maintaining some flexibility. The commission also gains broader powers to monitor compliance with existing laws.
These proposals follow earlier regulations, including the 2018 Royal Decree that banned gambling ads during televised sports from 6 PM to 10 PM. That law also prohibited gambling sponsorships on sports jerseys and stadiums, with bonus restrictions taking effect in 2020. Last December, the regulator tightened sports sponsorship rules further, limiting gambling-related branding.
The KSC backs most reforms but suggests delaying the expanded exclusion system until May 2026. It also emphasises balancing oversight with the autonomy of Belgium's gambling market, avoiding overly rigid controls. If approved, the bill will grant the KSC stronger enforcement tools while introducing new player safeguards. The deposit limits, exclusion system expansion, and licence caps aim to reduce gambling-related harm. Implementation timelines for some measures may still be adjusted based on further discussions.
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