Belgium Joins Greece in Raising Legal Gambling Age to 21
Xenia Luch
24 May 2024
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Effective from June 1, Belgium will enforce stricter gambling regulations, ceasing to serve customers under 21 in accordance with the updated Belgium’s Gambling Act.
This move makes Belgium the second European Union (EU) country, following Greece, to raise the minimum gambling age to 21.
In addition to this, land-based operators will commence maintaining a player registry, accessible to police and local regulators, further tightening control over gambling activities.
These stricter measures have been met with opposition from the Belgian Association of Gambling Operators (BAGO). The association accuses the country’s authorities of populism.
Tom De Clercq, Chair of BAGO, expressed his disappointment, stating, “BAGO has repeatedly spoken out in favor of limiting advertising, including through traditional media. However, we have also consistently warned that a total ban on advertising in places where illegal operators are massively present, especially online, will have serious side effects. We must once again conclude that policymakers ignore the solutions we have proposed and opt for populist formulas.”
Moreover, starting in September, Belgian operators will face further restrictions, including a prohibition on conducting promotions, giving away free bets, and offering bonuses.