Belgium licens casino's

Did you know that Belgium is one of the very few European countries that has legalized online gambling? The government put a new online gambling law into place in 2011. Since then the Belgian Gambling Commission gives permits to operators of online casinos. Players can only make an online gamble at places with a permit, and the rest is blocked. How does the system of Belgian permits for games of chance work exactly?

 Visit the list of licenses Belgium casino's >>

After 1 july 2023 is advertising for gambling banned in Belgium

From 1 July, untargeted advertising for online gambling will no longer be allowed. Law Minister Weerwind had earlier announced the ban. With the ban, he granted the wish of the House.

From 1 July, radio and TV commercials and advertisements will no longer be allowed on bus shelters or websites. The ban is designed to protect vulnerable groups such as children or gambling addicts from the risks of online gambling. With the online gambling market legalised on 1 October 2021, there are many concerns about possible negative consequences such as addiction.

24 years and above
Internet advertising, targeted advertising and direct mail will continue to be allowed under strict conditions. Gaming providers must be able to prove that at least 95% of their advertising reaches people aged 24 and above. If an advertisement is shown, people must be able to indicate that they do not want to see it.

New gambling law in Belgium

Belgium's new gambling law marks a significant shift in the nation's approach to regulating this high-stakes industry. With an aim to offer better protection for gamblers, the law introduces several key changes that reflect a growing awareness of the social responsibilities associated with gambling. In a world where the allure of quick winnings can often overshadow the potential risks, these reforms are a proactive step towards safeguarding individuals from the pitfalls of excessive gambling. This article delves into the specifics of the new legislation, examining how each measure contributes to a safer gambling environment in Belgium.

Raising the Legal Gambling Age to 21

One of the most impactful changes in Belgium's gambling law is the elevation of the legal gambling age to 21 for most forms of betting. Previously, individuals aged 18 and above were allowed to engage in various gambling activities, including sports betting. This change aligns Belgium with a more cautious stance on youth exposure to gambling. However, the law makes a notable exception for lotteries, which remain accessible to those aged 18 and older. By raising the age limit, the Belgian government acknowledges the need for increased maturity and decision-making capacity in gambling, aiming to prevent early exposure and potential addiction among younger individuals. 

Legal online casino's Belgium 2024

Playing at a legal online casino has several advantages in comparison with a land-based casino or a gambling hall. First of all, it’s much easier to play at an online casino than a land-based casino or a gambling hall. You don’t have to leave your house to take a gamble. Instead just take your laptop, tablet or smartphone and visit an online casino like Unibet. Perfect when it’s raining outside.

No closing hours online casino

The fun about online casinos is that they don’t have closing hours. You have a chance to win a lot of money 24/7. It’s totally up to you when you like to play. Are you a real morning person? Then take a gamble in the early morning hours. Or try a game of Poker or Roulette in the middle of the night when you can’t sleep. There are enough games to choose, usually more than when you visit a land-based casinos. At some casinos new games emerge almost every day. So test your luck with popular slots, card games or table games online and perhaps your life will change forever!

Illegal online casinos in Belgium

It’s illegal to play in an online casino without a permit of the Belgian Gaming Commission, whether you have the Belgian nationality or not. Some casino can be very seductive and place all kinds of logos on their website. They can also have games from software developers like MicroGaming and Playtech, but this is not always a proof of quality. It does create false security. Don’t fall for it! Kansspelcommissie (NL) from KSC_CJH on Vimeo.

What gambling licences does Belgian law apply in 2024?

Since early 2012, you can legally gamble online in Belgium. To this end, the Belgian Gambling Commission has approved several websites offering online gambling. Several gambling sites are licensed by the Gambling Commission, allowing you to legally play gambling games for real money.

Licences A, B and F are designed to offer country-specific gambling. These can be extended to A+, B+ and F+ so providers can also get licences to offer online gambling.

A+ Online Casino Licence
An A+ licence allows a company to operate an online casino. This licence is for the A licence only. The A licence is for land-based casinos in Belgium.

Nine of these licences can be issued under Belgian gaming legislation. All licences have now been issued.

Gambling sites with an A+ licence offer a wider range of games, such as video slots, live casino games and poker.

B+ Online Arcade licence
The B+ licence allows the company to operate an online casino. The B licence is particularly suitable for arcades with slot machines and dice games. If a company wants to make these games available over the internet, it can apply for a B+ licence.

There are a total of 180 such licences. At this point, they have all been granted.

Licence for sports betting F1+
Bookmakers must hold an F1 licence. If a bookmaker also wants to offer online sports betting, it can apply for a licence F1+.

The maximum is set at 30 providers. Currently, all 30 F1+ licences have been issued.

Casinos lease their license to market leaders

Interestingly enough, many Belgian casinos have decided to ‘lease’ their license to a well-known international company. They have a simple reason for this actually. The casinos know that an international party will pay a lot of money and thus they will have more revenue than when they operate a legal online casino themselves. So there are 9 different licenses in Belgium that the Belgian Gaming Commission can issue and these are the following:

1) License A for gambling establishments class I: the casinos.
2) License B for gambling establishments class II: the slot machine arcades.
3) License C for gambling establishments class III: the drinking establishments.
4) Class D Permit: for personnel working in a casino, slot machine or betting office.
5) License E for the sale, rental, leasing, supply, provision, import, export, production and services of maintenance, repair and equipment of games of chance. 6) F1 license for organizers of bets.
7) License F2 for gambling establishments class IV: the betting offices.
8) License G1 for television games (bubble games).
9) License G2 for games of chance via other media such as radio games and games via the printed press.

Online providers receive an A +, B + or F + license respectively, so these are online casinos, online arcades and online betting offices. Nine casinos are allowed in Belgium with A and nine online casinos with an A + license. You can visit a casino from the age of 21. You must register at the entrance (name, first name, profession and address, copy of the identity card, signature). An online casino requires a copy of this or the player will be checked against his national register number. The permit is valid for 15 years. There are both table games and automatic games. The average hourly loss is set at 70 Euro per play cabinet. Additional license for online casino games: A + license. Duration of permit A + is linked to the period of validity of the permit for the actual establishment. Prohibited for persons under 21 years old. A license for Ladbrokes There are many casinos who work together with big names in the casino industry.

A great gaming experience at Casino777

A very well-known online casino is Belgium is Casino 777. Almost everyone has heard its known because of the television program ‘Roll It 2Night’, in which people can take a live gamble at a Roulette table. This is not the only amazing game of Casino777 though, because it also offers slot machines, dice games, table games and card games. The casino works together with great software developers such as NetEntertainment to offer you the very best gaming experience. What makes it even more fun is that you always receive a free registration bonus of at least 5 euros to try one of the Casino777 games. Legal online gambling at BwinCasino Last, but not least, there is BwinCasino. A while ago it merged with Party Gaming and changed its name into ‘Bwin.Party’. Online gambling is completely legal for Belgian players, so try your luck over there with a game of online Poker or online sports betting. Good luck!

Landbases Belgian casinos

There are a lot of Belgian casinos, but only a few offer the very best quality. Always make sure that you read the reviews of former customers, so that you know what to expect. Also use the following information about the casinos to make the best choice. Casino Viage Brussel As the name suggest, Casino Viage Brussel can be found in the capital of Belgium. It’s located in the heart of the city, near the market of Brussels and the Brouckère square. The building in which the casino is located has recently been renovated and looks amazing. So you’ ll definitely have a great time here!

Casino Spa

Did you know that the oldest casino in the world can be found in Belgium? It makes a visit to the Casino of Spa definitely worth it. This place was build in 1763 and became a success immediately. In 1769 a ballroom and theatre were added to the casino. Over the years several renovations took place, including one between 1980 and 1981. Casino Spa kept up with the times. Nowadays it also has an online version, which can be found at Casino777.be. As a player you can enjoy several nice promotions, such as a 100 euro no deposit bonus and 50 free spins! Casino Namen One of the most popular Belgian land based casinos is located in Namen, the capital of Wallonia, near the Maas river. Over here you can have fun from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Try your luck with one of the slots, for example. Or have fun with Poker, Roulette or Blackjack in one of the great casino halls. These tables are closed until 2 p.m., but after that you can play as long as you want.

Casino Blankenberge

Belgium has several seaside towns, including Blankenberge. Besides a nice coastline, this city also has a great casino with several table games and slot machines. Casino Blankenberge open sits door daily from 11 a.m to 5 p.m. In the weekend and during the holidays the closing hour is 6 p.m. Casino Middelkerke Casino Blankenberge has a ‘sister’ named Casino Middelkerke. The casino isn’t well-known, but definitely worth a visit. The games and services are similar to those of Casino Middelkerke.

Casino Kursaal Oostende

One of the most popular casinos in Belgium is Casino Kursaal Oostende. You can find it in Flanders, in the northern part of the country. Oostende is known for its great coastline where a lot of people relax during the summer. Some of them try their luck in the casino, which offers some very entertaining games.

Casino Chaudfontaine

Casino Chaudfontaine is recommended as well. Interestingly enough, it’s located in a prestigious spa, just a 10 minute drive away from the city of Luik. The spa decor gives a magical feeling!

Casino Dinant

Players who are looking for some fun should definitely visit the ‘Grand Casino of Dinant’ in the Museuvalley in Belgium. This place is full of fairytales and magical castles! Besides that, if lucky you can win a lot of money with one of the casino games of Casino Dinant.

Casino Knokke

Do you like land-based casinos with a magic atmosphere? Then Casino Knokke is the place to be. It has a stunning play room where you can find the very best casino games, including 200 slots, Carribean Stud Poker and Blackjack.

Which casinos are on the blacklist of the BGC?

Online casinos must meet the strict requirements of the Belgian Gambling Commission. If a casino violates the rules, it might end up at the blacklist. It means that internet providers block the websites casinos. Recently it became clear that the Gambling Commission is still busy maintaining the blacklist, because it has added four new casinos to it. Which casinos are on the blacklist?

Don’t play in illegal casinos

It’s not a good idea to play in a casino that is part of the blacklist. Players who do this risk a fine up to 150.000 euros. So always read reviews and make sure that you choose a legal Belgian casino. You can also check the list of blacklist casinos in this article.

What are the tasks of the Belgian Gaming Commission?

The Gaming Commission (KSC) was established by the Act of 7 May 1999 on gaming, games of chance, gaming establishments and player protection. The Gaming Commission is the official regulator of the gaming industry. The main task of the Gambling Commission is to oversee access to legal gambling, with the primary aim of protecting players.

The Gaming Commission is part of the judicial branch of the Federal Public Service (FPS) and decides on the licensing of gaming establishments. Visit the VAD website for more information on these licences. The commission also advises the government and parliament and monitors compliance.

You can apply to the Gambling Commission for an entry ban. This is done through EPIS (Excluded Persons Information System). At gaming establishments that require you to register, you will end up on a so-called "black list". Any person involved can apply for such an entry ban.

Certain target groups are automatically denied entry. These include the police, magistrates, court clerks and notaries. This also includes persons with extended minority status or persons declared incompetent at the request of their legal representatives or advisers. Persons whose application for collective debt settlement has been declared acceptable will also be denied entry. Those who can directly influence the outcome of a game of chance are also not allowed to participate. For example, players are not allowed to place bets on matches in their own league.