Age Limit for Gambling Unified in Belgium
Updated Belgian gaming legislation: Age limit elevated to 21 years old
The Belgian Gaming Commission released an update on their site regarding the amendments to the Gaming Act. The update indicates that as of September 1, 2024, the minimum age requirement for any gambling activity will be 21 years old.
Previously, there was no uniform age limit for gambling in Belgium. land-based casinos required players to be 21, while online platforms allowed 18-year-olds to gamble. This inconsistency will be eliminated with the new law introduced in 2024.
Belgium will then be joining Greece as the only European Union countries with a uniform age limit of 21 for both land-based and online gambling. The implementation of mandatory ID scanners in all Belgian gaming facilities since 2023 will ensure compliance with the new regulations.
Tightening Regulations for Belgian Gaming Providers
The new Gaming Act includes a nationwide ban on gambling advertisements in Belgium from September 1, 2024. This ban also extends to free bets, welcome bonuses, and other gifts aimed at attracting new players.
Furthermore, betting websites providing sports betting, bingo, or poker will be prohibited from displaying iGaming advertisements. Additionally, offering multiple online gambling options on a single website will be banned.
The Act further specifies that as of January 1, 2025, gambling advertisements will no longer be permitted in football stadiums in Belgium. This change will allow football clubs to transition and find new advertising partners without excessive pressure.
Advertising Ban Extended Across Europe
Not only Belgium, but other European countries are also introducing bans on gambling advertisements to enhance player protection and prevent addiction. Currently, the Dutch Parliament is voting on a complete ban on gambling advertisements, as described in a proposed law.
Italy and Norway have already enforced complete advertising bans for years. However, experts have raised concerns about the potential impact a ban might have on the black market.
Last year, the European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) pressed the Italian government to reconsider the gambling advertising ban, as the ban might encourage the thriving black market for illegal gambling in Italy.
The Belgian Gaming Association (BAGO) [LINK in Dutch] has reportedly criticized the new law, stating that they had previously advocated for limitations on gaming advertising. However, they believe that the strict regulations proposed in the new law might have unintended consequences, as pointed out by the chairman Tom De Clercq:
However, our repeated warnings of the potential adverse effects of a complete advertising ban in areas where illegal operators are heavily present, particularly online, have been disregarded. We must once again acknowledge that politics is choosing to ignore our proposed solutions and opt for populist decisions.– Tom De Clercq, Chairman, Belgian Gaming Association, SBC Eurasia
The new Gaming Law has been approved by the Belgian Parliament, leaving it uncertain if the BAGO's criticism will bear any fruit.
The update on the Gaming Act in Belgium mentions a newsworthy development, as the minimum age for gambling will be unified at 21 years old in 2024. The new law also includes a ban on gambling advertisements in Belgium beginning September 1, 2024.
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