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Restrictions for young players in Belgium: age, access, responsibility
Belgium is building a "ladder of protection" for young people: strict age thresholds, mandatory identity verification, centralized self-exclusion and strict advertising policy. The goal is not to prohibit entertainment as such, but to exclude early involvement and reduce the risks of impulsive play.
1) Age thresholds and access
18 + - the minimum age for sports betting and most "small forms" (for example, lotto taking into account local rules).
21 + - casino entry (online and offline casino products).
Age verification - before deposit/rates: without identity confirmation, access to the product does not open.
2) Mandatory Identification (KYC) prior to play
Electronic identification (eID/itsme) or alternative KYC procedures.
Account blocking in case of data mismatch or an attempt to bypass age.
Verification of the address/source of funds when raising limits or suspicions of risk.
3) EPIS: centralized self-exclusion
A young person who feels a loss of control can activate self-exclusion in EPIS.
The EPIS entry closes access to all licensed operators for the period of self-exclusion (online and offline).
Operators are required to check with EPIS at each login/registration.
4) Default limits and "game hygiene"
Weekly deposit limits are set by default; increase - only after additional checks and with a "cooling period."
In interfaces - time/expense counters, pause reminders, visible buttons "self-exclude" and "lower limit."
Gambling credit cards are banned to reduce the risk of debt burden in young people.
5) Advertising and protecting young audiences
Aggressive calls, "heroization of winnings," targeting young people, influencer integration with a youth audience are prohibited.
In sports - strict restrictions on sponsorship/visibility of gambling brands; on arena media and in the equipment of youth/children's events - a complete ban.
Any permissible communications are accompanied by warnings and a neutral tone.
6) 'trap-free' UX design
No "dark patterns": hidden switches, auto-raising limits, intrusive pop-ups.
"Responsible choice" prompts: before placing a coupon - reminders about chances/margins; easy access to the history of operations.
Transparent Cash Out and clear calculation rules (transfers, VAR, cancellations).
7) Online vs offline: How entry is controlled
Offline casinos/lounges: ID check at the entrance, automatic reconciliation with EPIS, 21 +.
Online operators: KYC before deposit, regular background checks, monitoring of behavioral risks (frequent deposits, night sessions, etc.).
8) Video games, loot boxes and esports
Game mechanics with signs of gambling (including loot boxes) are considered extremely strictly, especially for young users.
In esports - age gates, bans on youth targeting and content labeling.
9) Educational and family measures
State and NGO resources with self-assessment tests, hotlines, materials for parents and schools.
Parental blocking on payments and limiting the time of screen activity is a recommended practice for families.
In universities and sports schools - educational sessions on the risks of bets and assistance mechanisms.
10) What operators are required to do (short checklist)
1. Verify age and identity prior to admission to rates/deposits.
2. Check with EPIS at each input; instantly perform self-exclusion.
3. Give limits by default, facilitate lowering limits and pauses.
4. Exclude youth targeting, influencer advertising "for teenagers," any calls for "quick money."
5. Log sessions, transactions and solutions of risk models; respond to vulnerability markers.
11) Answers to common questions
Can I open an account before 18? No, it isn't. Registration and playing with real money - only with 18 +, casino - with 21 +.
Can I play without KYC? No, it isn't. Verification of identity is required before replenishment and rates.
What to do if "suffered"? Reduce limits, pause or activate EPIS; contact the hotline/specialists.
Why are credit cards banned? In order not to increase debts from young people and not push to impulsive rates.
12) Where protection policy is headed (trends)
"Default liability": personal limits and reminders are active immediately after registration.
Tougher filters in sports and social networks, especially around youth content.
Expanding behavioral risk analytics with ethical privacy frameworks.
The Belgian model of protecting the young is based on four pillars: age, verification, self-exclusion and restrained communication. Combined with default limits and transparent UX, this creates an environment where gambling services remain entertainment for adults - without early and uncontrolled youth involvement.