Belgium’s national gambling authority, the Kansspelcommissie (KSC), has signaled its support for a new legislative proposal designed to bolster player protections and enhance regulatory oversight of the gambling industry in the country. The draft legislation introduces several key measures, including a weekly deposit cap, aimed at curbing excessive gambling habits and promoting responsible play.
One of the significant aspects of the proposed bill is the introduction of a weekly deposit limit of €200 ($232.85) per gambling platform. This measure is intended to mitigate the risk of players accruing unsustainable gambling debts. Complementing this, the bill seeks to ban the use of credit for gambling, a step that reflects growing concerns about the financial consequences of gambling with borrowed money.
In addition to financial restrictions, the bill proposes limiting the number of betting licenses available to newsagents and extending the national gambling self-exclusion register to cover bars. This move is anticipated to reduce the accessibility of gambling venues in everyday settings, thereby lowering the potential for impulsive gambling behavior. The proposal also includes a cap on the number of slot machines allowed in bar environments, aligning with the wider effort to regulate the gambling landscape more stringently.
Addressing internal concerns, the bill outlines plans to enhance the operational capabilities of the Kansspelcommissie itself. It stipulates that the regulator should maintain a minimum of 10 full-time staff members and suggests increasing the number of police officers who can be seconded to the commission from four to eight. This is seen as a necessary step to ensure the regulator can effectively oversee compliance with the new regulations.
Despite the KSC’s general approval of the bill’s objectives, it has suggested a gradual implementation for some aspects, such as the expansion of the exclusion system, which is targeted for full operation by May 2026. The commission has also raised some concerns about the complete ban on credit card gambling, indicating that this may require further consideration to balance consumer protection with market demands.
This legislative development arrives shortly after the appointment of new members to the KSC, who will serve six-year terms. Earlier this year, Belgium took a significant step by banning gambling sponsorships in sports, reflecting a broader commitment to reforming the industry. However, in its recent annual report, the Kansspelcommissie expressed frustration at the slow pace of these reforms. President Magali Clavie emphasized the need for operational resources and strategic updates, advocating for the oversight of the regulator to shift to the Minister of the Economy to align with European regulatory standards.
The report also reveals a notable increase in gambling activity in Belgium over the last four years. In 2024, an average of 155,643 people engaged with gambling platforms daily, marking a significant 37.4 percent rise from 2020. Monthly participation figures reached 602,288, an increase of 19.8 percent over the same period, while new player registrations saw a 15 percent year-on-year growth, totaling 193,342.
In contrast, physical casino venues drew fewer participants, with around 15,937 daily visitors. This shift reflects the growing trend towards online gambling, which has become more accessible and appealing to a broader audience.
The report also highlights the state of the Excluded Persons Information System (EPIS) in Belgium, which recorded 56,458 registrations. Of these, approximately one-third were voluntary exclusions, while similar percentages were due to collective debt arrangements or legal actions. The data shows a gender distribution among those registered, with 12,609 identifying as women, 38,823 as men, and 5,422 not specifying a gender.
However, not everyone agrees with the proposed regulatory changes. Some industry experts argue that overly restrictive measures might push gamblers towards unregulated markets, which lack the safeguards of the legal gambling environment. They warn that while intentions to protect players are commendable, the execution must be balanced to maintain a healthy, regulated gambling sector.
Overall, the proposed legislation represents a significant shift in Belgium’s approach to gambling regulation, with a strong focus on player protection, responsible gambling, and enhancing the functionality of regulatory bodies. As these changes continue to unfold, the effectiveness of these measures will be closely observed by both industry stakeholders and the broader public, who share a vested interest in the sustainable evolution of gambling practices in the country.
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