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Key provisions of a new draft bill intended to improve player protection and fortify regulatory oversight throughout the nation’s gambling industry have been approved by the Belgian Gaming Commission (Kansspelcommissie, KSC).
Along with implementing a number of changes aimed at player safety and responsible gaming, the proposed legislation would increase the KSC’s authority to oversee and enforce adherence to national gambling regulations.
Key Player Protection Measures
- At the center of the bill are several new measures aimed at reducing gambling-related harm. These include:
- A proposed maximum deposit limit of €200 ($232.85) per platform per week.
- A ban on gambling with credit, intended to reduce risky betting behaviors and consumer debt.
- A limit on the number of betting licenses for newsagents.
- The extension of Belgium’s national exclusion system to bars and other public venues offering gambling services.
- A limit on how many slot machines are allowed in bars.
Although it has suggested a phased implementation strategy, the KSC generally supports these initiatives. In order to give enough time for technical preparation and stakeholder coordination, the regulator specifically recommended postponing the implementation of the expanded exclusion system until May 2026.
Balancing Reform and Flexibility
While the Commission has backed most of the government’s proposed reforms, it expressed reservations about a full ban on gambling with credit cards. Instead, the KSC has called for targeted reforms that tighten controls without removing player choice entirely.
The regulator also emphasized the importance of maintaining institutional autonomy, warning against overly rigid rules that could limit its ability to oversee the market effectively. It stressed that flexibility and proportionality are essential to ensure that regulation remains both enforceable and responsive to market developments.
Broader Regulatory Developments
The draft bill follows a period of change within the KSC itself, as the regulator finalized appointments for new commission members last month. Each will serve a six-year term, supporting the Commission’s strategic oversight of the gambling industry.
This legislative update also builds on previous reforms. In December 2024, Belgium introduced strict rules on gambling sponsorship and advertising in sports, banning gambling-related branding at sports venues and introducing clearer guidelines on how betting partnerships can be presented.
Together, these measures underline Belgium’s ongoing commitment to promoting a safer, more transparent, and well-regulated gambling environment.
Source: Gambling Insider
