Belgian Regulator Urges Pragmatic Approach to Gambling Reforms

Belgium’s Gambling Commission, Kansspelcommissie (KSC), recently submitted its advice on a new, wide-ranging gambling bill that aims to improve player protections, enhance regulatory oversight, and address the gambling industry’s structural issues in the country. While the regulator agreed with the need for reform,  it also cautioned lawmakers against adopting measures without careful consideration.

KSC Offered Constructive Criticism

The new bill has two primary goals: to strengthen consumer protection measures and give the Commission greater capacity to enforce compliance. Proposed measures include an EUR 200 ($233) deposit limit, hiring additional KSC staff, expanding exclusion systems, imposing limits on gaming machines in bars, and introducing a ban on credit card-linked payments for online gambling.

The KSC’s report praised the government for acknowledging the resource shortages suffered by the regulator. The Commission noted that introducing minimum staffing requirements was a necessary first step. It currently operates with just over 30 employees, which is far below the 57 positions set out in its 2021–2025 staffing plan and the 80 roles anticipated as necessary for the next five-year period.

The Commission urges that, rather than working with legally fixed staffing levels, it should be given autonomy to pursue its own personnel policy.

KSC statement

However, the KSC had some doubts about some player protection measures. One of the bill’s key proposals is to limit Class III gaming machines in bars to two per venue. This move aims to curb accessibility and reduce gambling-related harm. The KSC suggested that limiting the number of licensed venues would be a more effective solution, maintaining that gambling in bars should remain a secondary activity rather than the main attraction.

Some Proposed Measures Are Unfeasible

One of the government’s most significant reforms revolves around extending Belgium’s EPIS self-exclusion system to bars and cafes. The KSC noted that the change would close a substantial player protection gap. EPIS currently applies only to casinos, slot halls, and online platforms. However, the KSC recommended a gradual rollout, giving small businesses enough time to implement the new measures.

Despite its generally positive attitude, the KSC was highly critical of the proposed ban on payment services linked to credit cards for online gambling, describing the measure as “unrealistic.” According to the KSC, many payment systems now blend credit and debit features, making enforcement practically impossible. The operator instead proposed reforms to the gambling limit system, including the direct integration of players with unpaid debts into the EPIS exclusion database.

Credit cards are no longer the only payment methods that allow players to spend money they do not have. Such a ban does not exist in most neighboring countries either.

KSC statement

The KSC emphasized it would continue to advise the government in its ongoing efforts to refine the bill. According to the Commission, any gambling reforms must be both well-intentioned and practical. The KSC was adamant that balanced, enforceable legislation and a strong regulatory body to execute it were critical to sustainable player protection.