The Belgium Gaming Commission has confirmed that the legal age for all forms of gambling will increase from 18 to 21 from September 1st 2024 while bonuses are also set to be banned.
A new legal gambling age is one of several changes to the Gambling Act of 7/05/1999 which were published in the Belgian Official Gazette.
Changes include:
- New prohibition of devices as set out in section ‘3.3’ of the ACT
- Multiple gaming licenses for one website no longer allowed
- A complete ban on gifts, bonuses, and free games
- Advertising games of chance is now banned
- Age limit of 21 years
Customers who have online gambling accounts and are under the new minimum age limit must be offered refunds. Any wagers made with no age controls in place must also be refunded.
Devices in section 3.3 refers to bingo and reduced-stakes gaming devices operated in Class III gaming establishments.
The new age limit will bring Belgium’s sports betting, bingo and arcades in line with the minimum age that is currently in operation for land-based casinos.
Belgium’s ban on gambling advertising was first introduced in July of 2023. This new ban seeks to further limit advertising for games of chance.
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Belgium has recently implemented new regulations in the gambling industry, with two major changes that will impact both players and operators. The first change is the banning of bonuses for online gambling sites, while the second change raises the legal gambling age from 18 to 21.
The decision to ban bonuses for online gambling sites comes as a response to concerns about the potential harm that bonuses can cause to vulnerable players, such as problem gamblers or minors. Bonuses are often used as a marketing tool to attract new players and encourage them to spend more money, but they can also lead to increased risk of addiction and financial harm. By banning bonuses, Belgium aims to protect players from these risks and promote responsible gambling practices.
The second change, raising the legal gambling age to 21, is also aimed at protecting vulnerable individuals from the potential harms of gambling. Research has shown that the brains of young adults are still developing until the age of 25, and they are more susceptible to addiction and impulsive behavior. By raising the legal gambling age to 21, Belgium hopes to reduce the number of young people who develop gambling problems and prevent them from experiencing financial difficulties as a result.
These new regulations are part of Belgium’s ongoing efforts to regulate the gambling industry and protect players from harm. By banning bonuses and raising the legal gambling age, Belgium is taking proactive steps to ensure that gambling remains a safe and enjoyable activity for all players.Operators will need to adjust their marketing strategies and comply with the new regulations in order to continue operating in Belgium’s regulated market. Failure to do so could result in penalties or even loss of their license.
Overall, these new regulations represent a positive step towards promoting responsible gambling practices and protecting vulnerable individuals from the potential harms of gambling. It is important for players to be aware of these changes and to always gamble responsibly.
