Belgian Gambling Regulator Calls for Practical Reforms in New Gambling Legislation
Overview of the Proposed Gambling Reforms
Belgium’s Gambling Commission, known as Kansspelcommissie (KSC), recently presented its feedback on a comprehensive new gambling bill. The legislation aims to bolster player protections, enhance regulatory oversight, and address systemic issues within the Belgian gambling sector. While supportive of the need for reform, the KSC urged lawmakers to adopt a cautious and pragmatic approach when implementing these changes.
KSC’s Constructive Feedback on Key Proposals
The bill primarily focuses on two objectives: reinforcing consumer safeguards and expanding the Commission’s enforcement capabilities. Some of the notable suggested measures include setting a deposit cap of EUR 200 (approximately $233), increasing KSC staffing, broadening exclusion mechanisms, restricting the number of gaming machines in bars, and prohibiting credit card-linked transactions for online gambling.
The KSC commended the government’s recognition of the regulator’s limited resources. Currently staffed with just over 30 employees, the KSC pointed out that this falls short of the 57 staff positions outlined in its 2021–2025 plan and the 80 roles projected for the next five years. Establishing minimum staffing levels was identified as a crucial initial step.
The Commission recommends that rather than having legally fixed staff numbers, it should be granted autonomy to manage its own workforce policies.
KSC Statement
Regarding player protection, the KSC expressed reservations about certain measures. For example, the bill proposes limiting Class III gaming machines in bars to two units per premise to reduce accessibility and potential harm. However, the Commission suggested that decreasing the number of licensed venues might be a more effective strategy, emphasizing that gambling in bars should remain secondary to other activities rather than the main draw.
Challenges and Concerns with Specific Measures
A major reform discussed is the expansion of Belgium’s EPIS self-exclusion program to include bars and cafes, which currently only covers casinos, slot halls, and online platforms. The KSC acknowledged that this extension would significantly enhance player protections but recommended a phased implementation to allow smaller establishments adequate time to comply.
Nevertheless, the Commission was sharply critical of the plan to ban payment methods linked to credit cards for online gambling, labeling it unrealistic. Many contemporary payment solutions combine credit and debit features, making enforcement virtually impossible. The KSC instead proposed reforms focused on integrating players with outstanding debts directly into the EPIS exclusion system.
Credit cards are no longer the sole payment method enabling players to spend beyond their means. Most neighboring countries do not have such a ban either.
KSC Statement
The KSC pledged to remain an active advisor in the bill’s development process. It stressed that gambling reform must strike a balance between good intentions and practical enforceability. According to the Commission, sustainable player protection depends on well-crafted legislation supported by a robust regulatory authority capable of effective implementation.
