Belgium Raises Gambling Age to 21 and Introduces Stricter Measures

Belgium has implemented changes to its gambling regulations, increasing the legal age for participation from 18 to 21. The Gambling Commission's press release outlined these amendments, scheduled to be enforced from September 1, 2024.

This adjustment aligns the age limit for sports betting, slot machines, and bingo with the existing requirements for entry into brick-and-mortar casinos, which were established in 2018.

In addition to the age increase, other significant amendments were introduced. A complete ban on gambling advertising was imposed, alongside restrictions on gifts, bonuses, and free games. License holders were specifically urged by the Commission to make necessary adjustments for gaming devices with reduced rates. These measures aim to enhance player protection within the framework of licensed Belgian operators.

However, it's worth noting that in January, the Belgian Association of Gaming Operators expressed dissatisfaction with the comprehensive ban on gambling advertising, expressing concerns that such strict measures might cause confusion among users, making it challenging to differentiate legal online casinos from illegal ones.