Key Moments:
- King Philippe has approved a new team of 12 experts for the Kansspelcommissie, commencing their six-year term on 1 September 2025.
- Representatives from the Ministries of Finance, Justice, Economy, Interior, and Public Health will collaborate on regulation and oversight.
- Belgium’s regulatory reforms target advertising, player protection, and market controls amid changing industry pressures.
Royal Decree Signals Regulatory Overhaul
A Royal Decree, published in the Official Gazette, marks Belgium’s renewed approach to gambling oversight. Six full members and six substitutes have been officially appointed to the Kansspelcommissie (Belgian Gaming Commission), and their mandate will begin on 1 September 2025, extending for six years. This new cohort is tasked with steering regulatory policy during a period marked by evolving market demands and shifting attitudes about gambling.
Expert Appointments Span Five Ministries
The Kansspelcommissie brings together two representatives each from the Ministries of Finance, Justice, Economy, Interior, and Public Health. To acknowledge Belgium’s bilingual structure, each ministry nominates one Dutch-speaking and one French-speaking expert. The Ministry of Finance, with additional responsibilities for the National Lottery, holds two extra positions, reinforcing its influence within the commission.
| Ministry | Representatives | Primary Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Finance | Anne-Laure Mouligneaux, Ignace Vandewalle, Caroline Dujacquier, Tom Van Caeckenberghe | Financial compliance, National Lottery oversight |
| Justice | Nathalie Patoussa, Daisy Vervenne | Player protection, combating illegal gambling |
| Public Health | Ferdinand Van Der Gracht, Lena Boons | Addiction prevention, public health strategy |
| Economy | Michaël Stokard, Sahin Yazici | Economic impact, gambling sponsorships |
| Interior | Stéphane Obeid, Béatrice Vossen | Public order, regulatory compliance |
Strategic Mandates of Each Ministry
Finance Minister Jozef Jambon, who also serves as Deputy Prime Minister, will be represented by Anne-Laure Mouligneaux and Ignace Vandewalle to enforce fiscal and compliance obligations for operators. Caroline Dujacquier and Tom Van Caeckenberghe will oversee the National Lottery, navigating state objectives alongside forthcoming advertising limitations.
From the Justice Ministry, Nathalie Patoussa and Daisy Vervenne are central to initiatives targeting player protection and strengthening action against the online black market. This aligns with rising public scrutiny over problem gambling and illegal operators.
Public Health, represented by Ferdinand Van Der Gracht and Lena Boons, is charged with evaluating the societal impacts of gambling, with a focus on curbing addiction and shaping responses to issues raised by advertising and sponsorships.
The Economy Ministry’s Michaël Stokard and Sahin Yazici will monitor the sector’s financial contribution, as well as evaluate the impact and future of gambling-related sponsorships in football. This balancing act faces scrutiny from both public health perspectives and industry stakeholders.
Stéphane Obeid and Béatrice Vossen from the Interior Ministry will prioritize ensuring that gambling adheres to regulations protecting communities and preserving social standards.
Looking Ahead: Reform and Regulation Challenges
With this diverse coalition now set, Belgium is positioned for a six-year period of coordinated reform. Areas under close observation include advertising practices, efforts to reduce unlicensed gambling, and the development of robust consumer protections. The newly installed Kansspelcommissie faces a pivotal role as Belgium seeks to balance market growth, compliance, and social responsibility.
- Author
Daniel Williams
