After Belgium’s Chamber of Representatives backed a decree endorsed by Minister Stefaan Van Hecke to overhaul the Belgian Gambling Act 1999, the country’s gambling authority – Kansspelcommissie, introduced new player protection measures by raising the minimum gambling age to 21.
The updated texts also significantly limited the ability of licensed operators to advertise to consumers, which BAGO cautioned that if the government subsequently looked to pursue a total ban on advertising, it could lead to consumer confusion about the legal options on the market.
However, the age limit on play seems to be completely in line with the trade body’s long-term vision for the sector. A new study commissioned by BAGO has revealed that over half of men aged between 18 and 21 had participated in illegal gambling pri..