The updated gambling law that was approved by Parliament yesterday means bad news for the protection of players. That’s what the gambling operators say. They are also not happy about the fact that the National Lottery is escaping from being tightened.
Yesterday, the House gave the green light to a bill by Green MP Stefaan Van Hecke that restricts advertising within the gambling sector. In addition, there will be an age limit of 21 for any form of gambling and the proliferation of ‘3.3 slot machines’, which often appear in youth centers or gas stations, will be cut back.
Finally, websites are no longer allowed to combine different gambling licenses. Operators are now no longer allowed to offer betting and casino games at the same physical location, but soon this will no longer be possible online.
“No more overall view”
According to the Belgian Association of Gaming Operators (BAGO), the professional association of private gaming operators, such a cumulative ban makes the prevention of problematic gaming behavior impossible. Players will have to open a separate player account for different games of chance. Operators will no longer have a complete overview of problematic gaming behavior, BAGO warns.
The fact that the National Lottery escapes the stricter legislation is a complete thorn in the side. “They can – just like the illegal operators – quietly continue their business and offer games of chance to the most vulnerable population groups,” says BAGO.
“Next site”
Van Hecke understands the sector’s criticism, but adds nuance. “The games of chance offered by the National Lottery, such as Scooore, also fall under the new legislation. Not the lottery products.”
Van Hecke also wants to make the legislation for the latter category stricter. “That’s the next yard. But if we had to wait for that, we wouldn’t be anywhere today.”
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