Kansspelcommissie, the Belgium Gaming Fee has introduced modifications of the Playing Act of seven/05/1999, already revealed within the Belgian Official Gazette. The amendments pertain to “video games of probability, betting, gaming institutions, and the safety of gamers” and can come into impact as of September 1, 2024. Because the fee underlined, the modifications purpose to advertise accountable playing practices and improve the present participant protections.
The rise of the authorized playing age from 18 to 21 is presently an essential matter of debate, amongst different regulatory modifications set to reshape the playing panorama within the nation. The newly launched minimal age requirement for all types of playing, together with arcades, bingo, and sports activities betting, will correspond to the one already operative for land-based gaming institutions. The measure would safe uniformity throughout all playing platforms.
Consequently, prospects who’re beneath the authorized playing age should obtain refunds. The identical holds true for wagers positioned with no age verification measures in place.
One other regulatory limitation entails prohibiting sure gadgets, as defined in part “3.3” of the Act, or extra particularly, bingo and reduced-stakes gaming gadgets present in Class III playing venues.
As well as, gaming operators might be restricted to holding only one gaming license per web site. Playing companies might be allowed to supply only one kind of playing, for instance, on line casino video games or sports activities betting.
Customary promotions used to incentivize gamers, equivalent to welcome bonuses, items, and free video games will now not be accessible to Belgian gamers. The prohibitive measure on bonuses goals to inhibit compulsive playing habits.
Final however not least, the Belgian Regulator reminded of the ban on playing commercials throughout a number of platforms and media shops, which got here into pressure on July 1, 2023. In an try to clamp down on playing issues and gambling-related debt, the Belgian authorities launched additional limitations. As of January 1, 2025, a prohibition on playing commercials in stadiums will change into efficient and as of January 1, 2028, sponsorships by playing firms will now not be potential.
BAGO Says the Modifications Would Hurt the Playing Trade
The modifications have change into the main target of concern of varied business stakeholders. The Belgian Affiliation of Gaming Operators (BAGO) has expressed disapproval of the regulatory amendments, set to take impact from September 1, 2024. In keeping with BAGO, Belgian gamers can be prompted to show to unlawful playing operators.
Whereas BAGO has admitted the relevance of specific limitations on playing promoting, the group has voiced its considerations relating to the potential affect of a complete promoting ban. Tom De Clercq, Chair of BAGO, commented that the affiliation has all the time “warned {that a} complete ban on promoting in locations the place unlawful operators are massively current, particularly on-line, can have severe uncomfortable side effects.”
Moreover, by limiting the operators’ gaming licenses to only one kind, they might haven’t any overview of gamers’ playing habits and spending habits and would fail to intervene when crucial.
Final however not least, BAGO shared its disapproval of the rise within the minimal playing age for all types of playing, stating it could be unfair to go away the minimal age for the nationwide lottery at 18.
