Belgium is among the first European countries to take stern action regarding the concerns about the vulnerability of youngsters to gambling addiction risks and its social impact. The Cockpit of Europe recently introduced new rules that increase the minimum age for gambling to 21.

These regulations cut across all areas, including arcades, sports betting, and bingo. The new age limit matches the one that has already been in place for land-based casinos since 2018. It aims to create a safer environment by delaying access to gambling until individuals are more mature.

A Glance at the Regulatory Changes in Belgium

The new gambling regulations earned official approval by royal decree in August 2024. They replace older gambling laws and are part of the country’s larger plan to strengthen its control over the gambling industry and reduce potential gambling-related harm.

Besides the new minimum age restriction, recent changes in gambling laws in Belgium have brought in strict measures. These include the nearly complete ban on gambling ads introduced in 2023, a prohibition on free bets and bonuses since 2020, and a limit on weekly deposits to €200 ($216.54). There is also a new rule that prevents a single website from holding multiple online licenses.

The Western European nation’s Center for Addiction Prevention, or VAD, has welcomed the new age restrictions. The agency refers to them as cost-effective ways to tackle gambling addiction among young people. On the other hand, licensed gambling operators worry that these tougher rules might drive players to illegal offshore gambling sites.

A recent Gaming1 report pointed out a rise in illegal gambling activities. The research noted a 6% increase in players turning to illegal websites after the advertising ban and a 4% rise in unauthorized deposits. As a result, Belgium’s Gaming Commission has responded by blacklisting 500 illegal sites. Meanwhile, another report by Yield Sec revealed that illegal gambling operators increased 4.4 times in 2023, identifying 2,214 illegal gambling websites operating during that year.

What’s The Government’s Rationale?

Prime Minister Alexander De Croo has defended the new rules. He stated that the new regulations are necessary to shield young people from the possible dangers of gambling. Vincent Van Quickenborne, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Justice, backed the changes at a recent press conference about the new law. He explained that the government had considered a lot of research showing that young adults are more likely to take risks and make impulsive choices. Thus, they are more vulnerable to the temptations of gambling.

Van Quickenborne remarked that gambling is a serious problem that impacts not only individuals but also society as a whole. He explained that the government is taking a proactive approach to protect younger people from becoming addicted to gambling by increasing the legal gambling age to 21. According to Quickenborne, the new law aims to safeguard the younger generation from the potentially harmful effects of gambling when their decision-making skills are still developing. 

Further, the government has highlighted that the constant connectivity of the smartphone era fuels the growing popularity of online gambling. This has made it easier and more attractive for young people to access betting and gaming. Moreover, the fast expansion of online platforms has increased the risk of addiction. Most sites often use aggressive marketing and provide instant rewards, a tactic that can be incredibly tempting for younger people. The government thus believes that the previous legal age of 18 is no longer enough to deal with these new challenges.

Comparison With Global Gambling Age Requirements

This new law puts Belgium on the same page as other countries with strict age limits for gambling. For instance, most gambling activities in the United States require a minimum age of 21. Of course, some states permit gambling at 18 for activities like lotteries and horse racing. Likewise, Singapore has set the legal gambling age at 21 for casino entry, but Australia requires people to be at least 18 to gamble.

Belgium’s new regulations are stricter compared to those of its neighboring countries. Take France, for example. Here, the legal age for most gambling activities is still 18. This rule resembles Germany’s, where the statutes vary slightly between federal states. Meanwhile, gambling enthusiasts in Malta must wait until they turn 25 to be authorized to enter casinos.

Enforcement and Future Effects

The enforcement of Belgium’s new age limit will be strict, and businesses that do not comply will face heavy penalties. Casinos and online platforms must use more effective age verification methods, such as more thorough identity checks. Establishments breaking the law could face hefty fines and lose their gambling licenses in severe cases as the nation’s regulator sees fit.

Belgium’s government has also stated that it will closely watch the impact of the new law. The state could introduce even stricter rules in the future if the current regulations are effective in cutting down gambling among young people. Some members of parliament have already suggested more changes, with the most notable ones including additional restrictions on gambling ads and compulsory spending restrictions for all players.

The Belgium Association of Gaming Operators had already opposed the idea of banning advertisements when it was suggested at the beginning of 2024. Tom De Clercq, the association chair, mentioned that they had consistently backed stricter rules on advertising. However, they believe that a complete ban would only benefit illegal operators.

That said, Belgium already has a reputation for strict regulations, and these new laws will make the country one of Europe’s most heavily regulated markets.

Broader Implications of Belgium’s Gambling Regulation Changes

Belgium’s choice to raise the gambling age is in sync with a growing trend in Europe toward stricter gambling rules. Countries like the Netherlands and Sweden have also tightened their regulations in recent years. This decision stems from concerns about the social effects of gambling. Consequently, the move could encourage other countries to review their own gambling laws as online gambling becomes more widespread across Europe.

The new law raises important questions about balancing public health protection with individual freedoms, and many people certainly agree with the government’s efforts to protect the public. However, others argue that adults should have the freedom to make their own choices about gambling, including those under 21. This debate in Belgium could lead to broader conversations about how societies handle the risks of gambling while respecting personal autonomy.