User Verification for Slot Machines Now Required in Belgium

Belgium is making user verification mandatory for all slot machines in the country, the Federal Council of Ministers announced on September 29th.

Before, Belgium’s gambling law only required verification for slot machines inside gambling venues, such as casinos and arcades. This left a loophole for slot machines outside of these venues, such as those in hotels, shops, and entertainment centers. The Council of Ministers fast-tracked the approval of this proposed amendment.

Belgium’s Justice Minister, Vincent Van Quickenborne, said:

“This is an important step in the fight against gambling addiction. We will no longer tolerate unbridled financial pain at the expense of people with addiction”.

Earlier, the mayors of two big Belgian cities — Brussels and Genk — had announced that they wouldn’t issue new licenses for gambling activities in their cities until the government fixed the gambling law.

Now, the Gambling Commission of Belgium — Kansspel Commissie (KSC) — has to come up with plans and technical guidelines for implementing verification systems in places where slot machines are located.