A Belgium gambling ban for under 21s has rolled out, prohibiting everyone in the country under this age from participating in any form of gambling. This move is the latest in a string of decisions taken by Belgian authorities in an attempt to control the country’s gambling industry and limit the potential for gambling-related harm.
Let’s take a look at the ban in more detail, examine what led the government to this decision and discuss what the Belgium gambling ban might mean for operators. Read on to find out more.
Details of the Ban
Previously, Belgium’s gambling laws stipulated that only players over the age of 21 could visit casinos, while those over the age of 18 were permitted to participate in other forms of gambling, such as sports betting.
However, in a new move, the Belgian government has rolled out a blanket ban for all players under the age of 21. What this means is that all forms of gambling are prohibited for players under this age, including casino gambling, sports betting, bingo and arcades.
The new rules, sent out by the Belgium Gaming Commission, also forbid a single website from holding multiple gaming licenses.
What Led to the Decision?
The Belgium gambling ban appears to be a bold move, but an unsurprising one given the country’s previous track record of strict gambling regulations. Over the past four years, the country has rolled out bans to prohibit free bet offers and bonuses, while also establishing a €200 weekly deposit limit. In addition, legislation passed in 2023 sought to completely forbid gambling adverts.
Gambling laws are being relaxed across much of the world, which is why the Belgium gambling ban came as such a shock for many. Authorities in the country have outlined the reasons behind the ban; stating that it was designed to reduce rates of gambling addiction among young people in a cost-effective way.
However, critics of the ban have pushed back and said it could lead to a rise in the use of illegal, black-market sites. Given that these sites are by nature unregulated and essentially unmonitored, they do little to offer player protections. If the Belgium gambling ban does drive users to these sites, it could end up causing more harm than it prevents.
What Does This Mean for Operators?
Operators currently offering services in Belgium must take steps to meet these new regulatory standards. Failure to adhere to the new rules could see operators faced with serious financial and legal penalties.
What about iGaming and online sports betting operators with existing customers under the age of 21? According to the Belgium gambling ban legislation, all such customers must have any credit associated with their accounts refunded in full, along with any wagers made without adequate age verification procedures in place.
Conclusion
The Belgium gambling ban is an important development that all operators and providers must be aware of. These new rules mean that age verification processes must be overhauled, and operators need to enact these changes quickly to ensure they are compliant with the new laws.
