Your Ultimate Guide to Offline Gambling in Belgium 🗺️

Gambling in Belgium

Belgium maintains a well-regulated and structured framework for its offline gambling sector. Governed primarily by the Belgian Gaming Commission (BGC), the country aims to balance player protection, responsible gambling, and the prevention of fraud and money laundering, while allowing for a diverse range of gambling activities.

The Belgian Gaming Commission (BGC) 🏛️

The Belgian Gaming Commission (BGC), known in Dutch as the "Kansspelcommissie" and in French as the "Commission des Jeux de Hasard," is the central regulatory authority for all gambling activities in Belgium. Established by the Gambling Act of May 7, 1999, its primary responsibilities include:

1. Granting licenses to gambling operators and personnel.
2. Monitoring compliance with gambling laws and regulations.
3. Protecting players, particularly minors and vulnerable individuals.
4. Combating illegal gambling and fraud.
5. Advising the government on gambling policy.

The BGC oversees all forms of gambling, both offline and online, ensuring transparency and fairness in the sector.

Types of Offline Gambling in Belgium 🎰

Belgium offers several regulated forms of offline gambling, each with specific licensing requirements and operational rules.

Casinos

Offline casinos in Belgium are typically large establishments offering a wide array of games. They are subject to the strictest licensing requirements and oversight.

• Licensing: Casino operators must hold an A license issued by the BGC. These licenses are limited in number and often tied to specific physical locations.
• Games Offered: Traditional casino games such as roulette, blackjack, poker (Texas Hold'em, Omaha, etc.), baccarat, and a significant number of slot machines (also known as "gaming machines" or "automatic games of chance") are commonly available.
• Entry Requirements:
  • Age: Visitors must be at least 21 years old to enter a casino in Belgium.
  • Identification: A valid ID card or passport is required for entry to verify age and check against the national exclusion list (EPIS).
• Locations: Major cities and tourist destinations typically host casinos, such as those in Brussels, Blankenberge, Chaudfontaine, Knokke, Namur, Ostend, Spa, and others.

Gaming Arcades / Slot Arcades

Distinct from full-scale casinos, gaming arcades (or "automatic games of chance establishments") focus primarily on slot machines and other automated games.

• Licensing: Operators require a B license from the BGC. These licenses are more numerous than casino licenses but still regulated to control density.
• Games Offered: The primary offerings are slot machines, video poker machines, and other electronic games of chance with fixed odds. They generally do not offer table games like roulette or blackjack with live dealers.
• Age Restrictions: Players must be at least 21 years old to enter gaming arcades, similar to casinos.
• Atmosphere: These establishments are typically smaller and more focused on electronic gaming, often found in urban centers.

Betting Shops

Offline betting shops cater to sports and horse race enthusiasts.

• Licensing: Operators need an F1 license for organizing bets and an F2 license for operating a physical betting shop.
• Types of Bets:
  • Sports Betting: Popular for football, cycling, tennis, basketball, and other major sports.
  • Horse Racing: Betting on local and international horse races.
• Age Restrictions: The minimum age for placing bets in betting shops is 18 years old.
• Availability: Betting shops are widespread, from dedicated storefronts to kiosks within other retail outlets.

Lotteries and Scratch Cards 🎟️

The National Lottery (Loterie Nationale / Nationale Loterij) holds a monopoly on operating lotteries and scratch card games in Belgium.

• Regulation: While under the general oversight of the BGC, the National Lottery operates under its own specific legal framework due to its public service mission and contribution to good causes.
• Products: This includes draw-based games like Lotto, EuroMillions, Keno, and a wide variety of instant-win scratch cards.
• Distribution: Tickets are sold through a vast network of authorized retailers, including newsagents, supermarkets, and post offices across the country.
• Age Restrictions: The minimum age to purchase lottery tickets or scratch cards is 18 years old.

Bingo

Bingo, when organized commercially and involving stakes, falls under the purview of the BGC.

• Regulation: Depending on the scale and nature, bingo operations may require specific licenses, though large-scale commercial bingo halls are less common than in some other countries. Often, bingo is offered in a more limited capacity within gaming arcades or for charitable purposes under specific conditions.
• Age Restrictions: For commercial bingo, the general gambling age of 18 or 21 (depending on the type of license required for the venue) would apply.

Key Regulations and Player Protection 🛡️

Belgium places a strong emphasis on player protection and responsible gambling within its offline sector.

• Age Verification: Strict age verification is mandatory at the entrance of casinos and gaming arcades (21 ) and for all betting and lottery purchases (18 ).
• Exclusion System (EPIS): The Excluded Persons Information System (EPIS) is a national database managed by the BGC. Individuals can voluntarily exclude themselves from all licensed gambling establishments (casinos, gaming arcades, and online gambling sites). Furthermore, certain professions (e.g., magistrates, police officers), individuals in collective debt settlement, or those declared legally incompetent are automatically excluded. All licensed venues must check this database before allowing entry or participation.
• Advertising Restrictions: Gambling advertising is subject to strict regulations, prohibiting promotions that target minors, suggest quick riches, or encourage excessive play.
• Responsible Gambling Information: Licensed establishments are required to provide information on responsible gambling, the risks associated with excessive play, and contact details for support organizations.
• Financial Monitoring: Measures are in place to prevent money laundering, requiring operators to report suspicious transactions.

Current Landscape and Challenges

The offline gambling sector in Belgium continues to adapt to evolving technologies and consumer preferences, particularly with the rise of online gambling. The BGC regularly reviews and updates its regulations to maintain a balanced and safe gambling environment. Challenges include combating illegal operations and ensuring that player protection measures remain effective in a dynamic market.

Conclusion

Belgium's offline gambling scene is characterized by its strong regulatory framework, spearheaded by the Belgian Gaming Commission. From sophisticated casinos and modern gaming arcades to ubiquitous betting shops and the national lottery, the country provides diverse options while prioritizing the safety and well-being of its citizens through stringent licensing, age restrictions, and comprehensive player protection measures. The commitment to responsible gambling ensures that the industry operates transparently and ethically.