Belgium

Belgium maintains a strictly regulated gambling market overseeing both land-based and online activities. The primary regulatory body is the Belgian Gaming Commission (Kansspelcommissie / Commission des jeux de hasard), established by the Gaming Act of May 7, 1999. This legislation serves as the cornerstone of Belgian gambling law, though it has been amended several times to address the evolution of online gaming. To operate legally in Belgium, betting app operators must secure specific licenses from the Gaming Commission. The Belgian system requires online licenses to be linked to existing land-based establishments. For example, an F1+ license is required to offer online sports betting, which is tied to land-based F1 license holders. The Commission is tasked with issuing these licenses, monitoring operator compliance, and enforcing sanctions against unlicensed operators.

The Belgian betting market is characterised by a strong emphasis on consumer protection and responsible gambling. The regulatory framework is designed to channel players towards legal offerings while implementing strict measures to prevent addiction and protect minors. In recent years, the market has seen significant shifts regarding marketing regulations. The Belgian government has implemented stringent restrictions on gambling advertising across various media channels, aiming to reduce marketing exposure to the general public. Legal betting apps operating within the country are required to integrate robust player protection tools, including mandatory age verification processes, deposit limit functionalities, and access to national self-exclusion registers. The competitive landscape consists of a mix of domestic operators and international companies that have successfully navigated the licensing process to offer their services to Belgian residents.