Legality of casinos, lotteries, bookmakers and online gambling

Belgium is one of the most structured and mature gambling markets in Europe. The rules are set and monitored by the Belgian Gaming Commission (BGC) as part of the Gambling Act 1999 and subsequent reforms. The model combines a limited number of terrestrial licenses, strict requirements for player protection and the principle of "online follows offline" (the right to remote products is granted to holders of basic terrestrial licenses).

1) Casino (offline)

Status: Legal with an A (casino) license. The number of such licenses is limited, facilities are located in certain municipalities.

Product range: tables (roulette, blackjack, poker), slot machines.

Age: 21 + for casino access.

Control: mandatory check on the EPIS (Excluded Persons Information System) database at the entrance and at any attempt to participate in the game; video surveillance, transaction registers, RNG/equipment audit.

2) Slot machine halls (offline)

Status: legal under license B (gaming salons).

Products: Slot machines outside casinos (with more modest limits and assortment than casinos).

Age: 21 +.

Requirements: identification, EPIS checks, restrictions on maximum bets/game speed, reporting.

3) Lotteries

Status: lotteries are a state monopoly (Nationale Loterij/National Lottery).

Products: circulation lotteries, instant lotteries (including online scratches), European formats.

Age: 18 +.

Features: a separate regulatory framework, increased standards of responsible play and the distribution of part of the income for public needs.

4) Betting shops and betting

Status: legal under the license F1 (betting organizer) and F2 (betting points/agents).

Betting objects: sports, e-sports, special markets (within the permitted list).

Age: 18 +.

Requirements: identification before placing a bet (including online), EPIS checks, limits and self-control tools, transparent calculation rules.

5) Online gambling

• A + - online casinos (tables/poker and other casino games) for A holders;
• B + - online slots/gaming products for B holders;
• F1 + - online betting for F1 holders.
• Status: Legal with the appropriate "plus-license" and compliance with Belgian requirements for hosting, certification, reporting and player protection.
• Age: 21 + for online casinos/slots (A +, B +), 18 + for online betting (F1 +).
• Geo-access: sites are required to verify locations and block users from impermissible jurisdictions; Belgian players are provided with content that complies with local law.
• KYC/AML: mandatory identification and verification before access to bets and games; transaction monitoring, deposit/expense limits, timeouts, self-exclusion.
• Content and providers: games and platforms must be certified, with transparent RTP and secure event logs.

6) Age thresholds and access

21 + - casinos and machine rooms (online and offline segments A/A + and B/B +).

18 + - bets and lotteries (offline and online segments F1/F1 + and lotteries).

EPIS: single national exclusion system. EPIS includes self-excluded players, persons on court/administrative decisions, etc. All licensed operators are required to check with EPIS, denial of access is automatic.

7) Advertising and sponsorship

Advertising: allowed only for licensed operators and subject to strict restrictions on formats, venues, warnings about risks and the inadmissibility of targeting minors and vulnerable groups.

Sponsorship of sports and media integration: acceptable in limited forms and with strict requirements for brand visibility and content.

8) Illegal sites and liability

Prohibited: offer gambling without a Belgian license, even if the site is licensed in another state.

Measures: blocking domains and payment routes, fines, criminal liability in serious cases. Players are advised to use only sites with a Belgian license (A +/B +/F1 +), where rights protection and access to dispute resolution mechanisms are guaranteed.

9) What it means for players and businesses

Players: participation is legal and safe when choosing licensed operators; limits, self-exclusion, transparent rules and support are available.

Operators/providers: the market is open, but highly compliant: licensing, integration with EPIS, KYC/AML, technical certification and accurate marketing are required.

Retail and sports: Working with legal bookmakers is possible, but sponsorship/advertising must meet strict standards.

Conclusion: In Belgium, all the main forms of gambling are legal - casinos, lotteries, bets and their online counterparts - provided that there are appropriate licenses and compliance with high requirements for the protection of players. The model with "plus-licenses," centralized EPIS and strict advertising makes the market predictable, responsible and focused on long-term sustainability.