Belgium Increases Gambling Age From 18 to 21!

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Belgium is shaking up its gambling stage with a significant change in its legal gambling age. The Belgian Gaming Commission recently announced revisions to the country's gambling laws, raising the lowest age for gambling from 18 to 21 years old. This bold move aims to enhance player protection and align age regulations across various gambling sectors, including sports betting, arcades, and bingo.

Prioritizing Player Safety

The decision to raise the gambling age shows Belgium's adherence to encouraging responsible gambling and defending vulnerable individuals, particularly young adults. By increasing the age limit, authorities seek to create safer gambling surroundings and mitigate the potential risks associated with underage gambling.

The modified limitations present a range of measures to support player protection and ensure compliance within the gambling industry:

  1. The latest limitations implement a prohibition on the utilization of designated gambling devices referred to as"3.3" devices. This move is geared towards eradicating any possible hazards linked with these devices and fostering a culture of safer gambling practices.
  1. The new restrictions impose a limitation on the collection of multiple online licenses by operators on a single platform. This measure is intended to thwart operators from leveraging numerous permits to expand their influence and target susceptible players.
  1. From now on, operators won't be able to offer any kind ofgifts, bonuses, or bonus games to customers. Although very sad news for young players, this measure aims to minimize the potential for excessive gambling and protect players from harmful practices.
  1. The new regulations introduce a ban on broadcasting games of chance, except in specific circumstances. With this new rule Belgian regulator wants to decrease exposure to gambling promotions.
  1. 5. Last but not least, If someone can't prove their age, they'll get a refund. This rule stresses how crucial it is to check ages properly and highlights the duty of operators to do so.

Implications for Operators and Players

The increase in the gambling age in Belgium will not only bring changes for players but also for operators who will have to adapt to the new Belgian iGaming scene. Operators will need to adjust their approach and marketing tactics to meet the new requirements, which involve stricter age checks and updated advertising guidelines.

For players aged 18 to 21, the increase in the gambling age means they may need to remain until they turn 21 to experience the particular gambling activities. Although we believe these changes will not be easy to get used to, the regulator hopes that punters will understand the purpose of these rules - to protect them from potential harm associated with underage gambling.

Industry Criticisms and Concerns

The move to raise the gambling age signals a focus on the well-being of the player, yet it has stirred debates and concerns in the industry. Stakeholders, like the Belgium Association of Gaming Operators (BAGO), worry that the total ban on gambling ads could inadvertently favor illegal operators.

BAGO advocates for more nuanced advertising restrictions, stressing responsible practices and robust regulation for a thriving gambling sector.

Belgium's decision to up the gambling age highlights its proactive stance on curbing underage gambling and promoting responsible play. As the sector adjusts to these rules, collaboration among regulators, operators, and stakeholders will be key to fostering a safe and sustainable gambling environment.

Source:

''Belgium Makes Legal Age to Gamble at 21 from September'', europeangaming.eu, March 11, 2024.

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