In Belgium, an expert panel has established a stipulated age of 21 for participating in online gambling activities.
The Gaming Expert Committee in Belgium (Vlaams expertisecentrum voor alcohol, illegale drugs, psychoactieve medicatie, gokken en gamen, abbreviated: VAD) is pushing for the minimum age for online gambling to go up to 21. At present, physical gambling venues only permit individuals aged 21 and above, whereas the online gaming industry permits players as young as 18. This adjustment could significantly boost prevention efforts.
Unifying Minimum Age for Gambling
The VAD urges the minimum online gambling age in Belgium to rise from 18 to 21 [Link in Flemish]. This move is crucial for safeguarding young people from harmful gambling habits.
The VAD emphasizes the importance of uniform regulations, as Belgians can currently only engage in land-based gambling venues and betting shops at the age of 21. However, the online sector has distinct rules, allowing minors older than 18 to partake in online sports betting and casino games.
The VAD argues that elevating the minimum age could help curb problematic gambling. This would further strengthen youth protection and contribute to enhanced prevention.
Alarming Statistics During the 2022 FIFA World Cup
Supported by recent statistics, the VAD backs its stance. During the 2022 FIFA World Cup, over 43,000 new players registered with licensed gambling providers in Belgium. The majority of these new players were under 30 years old.
Therefore, it's imperative to protect young Belgians and curb problematic gambling at an early stage. The VAD believes that raising the minimum age is the best solution to this issue.
Discussions on Minimum Age in Other Countries
Raising the minimum age for various kinds of gambling is a topic of debate in countries other than Belgium. In the United Kingdom, players were previously eligible for the National Lottery at 16, but the minimum age was raised to 18 in 2021.
In the United States, particularly in college sports, sports betting is highly popular. The National Collegiate Athletic Association advocates for the minimum age for sports betting to increase to 21.
Additional Preventive Measures in Belgium
The topic of gambling and youth protection is drawing increasing attention in Belgium. The VAD proposes additional measures apart from rising the minimum age for online gambling, such as increased gambling costs.
The three most effective cost-reducing measures include price hikes, restricting advertising, and limiting the availability of gambling offers.
The VAD recommends increasing taxes for providers and limiting the offerings of individual operators. Advertisements for gambling in Belgium are subject to stringent regulation. Since July 2023, a complete advertising ban for gambling has been implemented. The Gaming Commission (VAD) has now proposed a nationwide advertising ban, the extent of which remains to be seen.
In line with the discussions happening in other countries, Germany is considering raising the minimum age for participating in online casinos from 18 to 21. Similar to Belgium, this change could help Germany improve its prevention efforts against problematic gambling among younger individuals.
Moreover, the call for a uniform minimum age for all forms of gambling in Germany is gaining traction, as currently, different rules apply to online and physical gambling venues, allowing minors to participate in online activities even though they are not permitted in physical casinos.
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