The Belgian Gaming Commission (BGC), under the leadership of President Magali Clavie, has been at the forefront of significant regulatory changes throughout 2025. Located in Belgium, the Commission has implemented various measures, including a crackdown on illegal gambling websites and updated compliance requirements, as part of its broader strategy to address a rapidly evolving gambling landscape. With Clavie also serving as vice chair of the Gambling Regulators’ European Forum (GREF), the developments in Belgium are especially pertinent to the ongoing dialogue on gambling regulation across Europe.
In January 2025, the coalition agreement from Belgium’s new federal government initiated a pivotal transition for the BGC, transferring its oversight to the Minister of Economy. This structural shift is designed to consolidate the Commission’s authority, allowing for more streamlined governance. The move is expected to be fully implemented in 2026 and forms part of a comprehensive reform plan aimed at enhancing regulatory effectiveness. Over the past year, the BGC has focused on ensuring compliance with new regulations, including an increase in the minimum age for gambling to 21 and updates to the national exclusion system, which dictate the identification methods players and operators must use.
As vice chair of GREF, Clavie emphasizes the necessity of international cooperation to combat illegal gambling activities. The BGC is advocating for a more cohesive and efficient European framework, enabling regulators to act swiftly and uniformly across borders. The European Digital Services Act has equipped regulators with tools to tackle illegal content online, but Clavie argues that further enhancements are essential. Specifically, there’s a push for expanding the Act to include stricter oversight of gambling-related content, alongside urging payment service providers to restrict transactions related to unlicensed gambling operations.
The proliferation of illegal online gambling sites has presented significant challenges for the BGC. The ability of unlicensed operators to quickly establish and relocate websites, often employing advanced technologies to evade detection, has been a notable trend throughout 2025. The use of artificial intelligence by these operators to present a veneer of legitimacy complicates regulatory efforts. This dynamic underscores the necessity for regulators to remain vigilant and adaptive to technological advancements that facilitate illegal gambling operations.
Despite these challenges, the BGC reports progress in directing players towards regulated markets. The presence of illegal gambling offerings poses substantial risks, including unpaid winnings and lack of player protection, which can lead to significant financial and personal harm. To mitigate these issues, the BGC focuses on reducing the visibility of illegal gambling websites, many of which engage in prohibited advertising practices that amplify their reach. The Commission maintains a direct communication channel with major platforms like Meta to swiftly address illegal advertisements, having acted on approximately 7,000 reports this year alone. Nonetheless, the fight against illegal operators remains ongoing, with a growing blacklist now containing around 700 platforms.
Looking forward to 2026, the BGC is preparing for emerging challenges in the regulatory landscape. One key area of concern is the upcoming European Digital Fairness Act, which is expected to address consumer protection issues not directly related to gambling but potentially harmful if left unchecked. This includes the regulation of paid random items, such as loot boxes in video games, which have been a contentious topic in Belgium. The BGC has previously concluded that gambling laws are not suitable for regulating these practices, advocating instead for their inclusion under European Consumer Protection law along with industry self-regulation. The forthcoming Act appears to align with this recommendation, and the BGC is keenly anticipating its details.
At the national level, the Belgian Minister for the Economy has signaled an impending evaluation of the country’s gambling laws, which have not been substantially updated since the late 20th century. This review aims to align legislative frameworks with the current realities of the gambling industry, ensuring that regulations effectively address contemporary challenges and protect consumers.
In conclusion, as Belgium continues to refine its gambling regulations, the BGC’s actions reflect broader European efforts to address the complexities of illegal gambling and ensure robust consumer protection. The transition to centralized oversight and the anticipated legislative reviews mark significant steps in adapting to an ever-evolving gambling environment. As these developments unfold, the BGC’s leadership and collaboration with European counterparts will remain crucial in shaping a safer and more regulated gambling market.
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