Key Moments:
- The Belgian Gaming Commission has expressed support for major provisions in a new draft bill targeting player protection and regulatory control.
- Proposed measures include a €200 ($232.85) weekly deposit cap per platform, a restriction on credit-based gambling, and expanded national exclusion systems.
- The regulator has suggested phasing in the new exclusion system by May 2026 to ensure adequate technical preparation and stakeholder alignment.
Player Protection and Responsible Gaming Initiatives
The latest draft bill, endorsed by the Belgian Gaming Commission (Kansspelcommissie, KSC), aims to significantly enhance player protection within Belgium’s gambling sector. Key recommendations include setting a €200 ($232.85) maximum weekly deposit limit per gaming platform, banning the use of credit for gambling activities to address unsafe betting and debt risks, and imposing restrictions on the number of betting licenses granted to newsagents.
Additionally, the bill proposes expanding Belgium’s national exclusion system to include bars and other venues where gambling services are available, as well as setting strict limits on the number of permitted slot machines in such establishments. The regulator supports a phased rollout of the new exclusion system, advising that full implementation be delayed until May 2026 to allow sufficient time for preparations.
Regulatory Perspective and Industry Oversight
While supporting the core player safety measures, the KSC has taken a measured stance regarding the blanket ban on credit card gambling. The Commission favors reforms that reinforce consumer protections without completely removing personal choice. Moreover, the regulator underscored the need for ongoing institutional autonomy, cautioning that excessively restrictive frameworks could impair its ability to respond swiftly to developments in the gambling landscape. Flexibility and proportionality were highlighted as essential for maintaining effective oversight.
Recent Developments within the Commission
The reform efforts coincide with a period of organizational change for the KSC, which recently executed the appointment of new commission members. Each appointee has committed to a six-year term, reinforcing the body’s role in strategic governance of Belgium’s gambling sector.
Legislative Momentum and Future Outlook
Belgium’s ongoing regulatory updates build on a foundation established by previous initiatives, including stricter rules introduced in December 2024 on gambling sponsorship and advertising in sports. These measures prohibit gambling-related branding at sports venues and define clearer regulations around collaboration between sports and betting operators.
Collectively, these legislative efforts reinforce Belgium’s commitment to establishing a secure, transparent, and diligently regulated gambling marketplace.
| Key Measure | Description |
|---|---|
| Weekly Deposit Limit | Maximum of €200 ($232.85) per platform |
| Credit Gambling Ban | Proposed ban on gambling with credit to curb risky behavior |
| License Restrictions for Newsagents | Limit on the number of betting licenses issued |
| National Exclusion Expansion | Application of exclusion system to bars and public gambling venues |
| Slot Machine Cap | Limits on slots available in bars |
- Author
Daniel Williams
