Gambling in Belgium: Regulations, Practices, and Prevention
Gambling holds a prominent place in Belgian society. Balancing tradition, entertainment, and public health concerns, robust regulation is essential to ensure responsible gaming.
A Structured Legal Framework
Belgium legalized games of chance in 1999 with the establishment of the Gaming Commission, which oversees the sector. The Act of May 7, 1999, defines gambling as any activity involving a wager where a win or loss is determined, even partially, by chance.
In 2011, the law was expanded to cover online gambling, requiring operators to hold a license linked to a physical establishment within Belgium.
Stricter measures have been introduced since 2023, including a ban on gambling advertising across various media and raising the minimum legal age to participate to 21.
A Widespread Practice
In 2018, nearly a third of Belgians reported having played at least one game of chance in the past year. Approximately 10% gamble on a weekly basis.
By 2023, the Belgian gambling market reached a turnover of €1.7 billion, driven by strong growth in online gaming and a rebound of physical betting venues to pre-pandemic levels.
Prevention and Player Protection
The Gaming Commission provides a self-exclusion system that allows players to voluntarily block their own access to gambling venues and websites. In 2024, over 56,000 individuals were on this list, marking an increase from the previous year.
Other safeguards include a ban on using credit cards for online gambling and the implementation of weekly deposit limits.
Loot Boxes: Specific Regulations
Belgium was one of the first countries to classify loot boxes—virtual treasure chests in video games—as a form of gambling. They have been banned since 2018, forcing several publishers to adapt or remove content from their games.
Belgium serves as a model for the balanced regulation of games of chance, offering controlled accessibility alongside robust player protection measures. However, constant vigilance remains necessary to ensure legislation keeps pace with industry developments.
