Belgium has one of the most structured online gambling markets in Europe. Anyone interested in using Belgium betting sites or Belgium bookmakers must understand the country’s strict licensing rules and player protection measures. This article explains the current legal framework, who regulates the industry, and what types of betting and casino games are allowed or prohibited.
Table of Contents
- The Legal Status of Online Gambling in Belgium
- The Role of the Belgian Gaming Commission
- Rules and Restrictions
- Prohibited Games and Bets
- Player Protection
- Summary
The Legal Status of Online Gambling in Belgium
Online gambling, including both sports betting and casino games, is legal in Belgium. However, operators must hold the appropriate licenses to provide services within the country. Players should always verify that they are using licensed betting sites Belgium residents are legally permitted to access.
Main License Categories
| License Type | Activity Allowed | Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| A+ | Online casino games (roulette, blackjack, slots, poker) | Requires connection to a land-based casino (A license) |
| B+ | Online arcade or dice games | Requires land-based B license |
| F1+ | Online sports betting | Requires land-based F1 license |
Because the number of licenses is limited, new operators typically partner with existing land-based operators to enter the market.
The Role of the Belgian Gaming Commission
The Belgian Gaming Commission (BGC) is the national regulator responsible for issuing licenses, monitoring compliance, and sanctioning violations. It is part of the Federal Public Service Justice.
- The Commission publishes a whitelist of licensed operators, which you can find here: ✅ Licensed Operators – Belgian Gaming Commission
- It also maintains a blacklist of unlicensed or illegal operators, available here: ❌ List of Illegal Gambling Sites – Belgian Gaming Commission
While the commission’s blacklist features hundreds of brands, it is not fully complete. If you do not see an unlicensed brand listed here, it does not necessarily mean they are safe to play with.
Rules and Restrictions
Belgium has introduced some of the strictest gambling rules in Europe. These apply to both Belgium bookmakers and casino operators:
- Age limit: Players must be at least 21 years old to participate in any form of betting or casino gambling.
- Separate accounts: Operators must separate different gambling activities. Sports betting, casino, and arcade games must run on different websites and accounts.
- Deposit limits: Players can deposit a maximum of €200 per week per licensed site. Requests for higher limits are subject to checks.
- Advertising restrictions: Most forms of gambling advertising are banned. Sponsorship of sports teams is being phased out completely by 2028.
- Bonuses: Operators are not allowed to offer incentives such as free spins, bonuses, or cashback.
- Payment methods: Credit card deposits are prohibited.
Prohibited Games and Bets
Certain gambling formats are not permitted in Belgium:
- Virtual betting on computer-generated events (such as simulated football matches) is banned.
- Unlicensed casino game formats that do not fall under approved categories are not allowed. Examples include peer-to-peer poker rooms that are not linked to a licensed land-based casino, novel chance-based mini-games embedded in apps without approval, or skill games disguised as slot-style gambling experiences.
- Betting on competitions where the majority of participants are under 18 is strictly prohibited.
- Financial speculation disguised as betting, such as binary options, is not allowed.
Player Protection
The Belgian system is designed to protect players from addiction and fraud. Tools such as self-exclusion, warnings, and deposit controls are mandatory. The national exclusion register (EPIS) is used to block access for self-excluded or banned individuals across all Belgium betting sites.
Summary
Belgium offers a regulated market for online sports betting and casino games, but only through approved operators. Licensed betting sites Belgium residents can use are strictly controlled by the Belgian Gaming Commission. Players are advised to stick to the official whitelist of Belgium bookmakers and casinos to ensure they are betting legally and safely.
This regulatory framework makes Belgium one of the safest but also most restricted online gambling markets in Europe. For those seeking reliable Belgium betting sites, the key is always to check licensing status with the Belgian Gaming Commission before placing a bet.
FAQs About Belgium Betting Sites
Players must reach 21 years before they can bet or play casino games in Belgium.
The Belgian Gaming Commission regulates all betting and casino activity in the country. The commission also provides up-to-date lists of fully licensed & illegal brands.
No, players cannot use credit cards to deposit funds on licensed betting sites. However, there are many convenient payment methods which players can use such as bank transfers and e-wallets.
Players can find the whitelist directly on the Belgian Gaming Commission’s website. The commission also provides a blacklist which is continuously growing.
Virtual betting, unlicensed poker rooms, unapproved mini-games, and slot-style skill games are not allowed. Consequently, players should only engage with games listed under approved license categories.
No, Belgium restricts gambling advertising, and sponsorship of sports teams will end by 2028.
Players can deposit up to €200 per week on each licensed site, unless they request a higher limit after checks.
Yes, operators need land-based partners to obtain online licenses like A+, B+, or F1+.
Players can use tools like self-exclusion, deposit controls, and warnings offered on licensed sites. Moreover, you can utilize online resources such as GambleAware to learn about the risks.
No, betting on competitions with mostly under-18 participants is not allowed. Instead, players should focus on professional leagues where adult athletes compete.
