Belgium appoints new Gaming Commission members for 2025

Belgium has officially appointed new members to its Gaming Commission, reinforcing the nation’s commitment to regulated gambling oversight. The appointments, formalized through a royal decree, took effect on 1 September 2025. This marks a critical step in ensuring that Belgium’s gaming sector continues to operate transparently, ethically, and in line with national and international regulations.

The new commission members will serve six-year terms, representing various government ministries and reflecting Belgium’s linguistic diversity. Each ministry has appointed two representatives: one French-speaking and one Dutch-speaking, ensuring balanced linguistic and regional representation in the oversight of the country’s gaming industry.

Composition of the new Gaming Commission

The Gaming Commission, Belgium’s key regulatory body for gambling, now includes representatives from six different government ministries. These appointments are designed to provide comprehensive oversight across justice, finance, economy, interior affairs, health, and the National Lottery. The commission members and their respective alternates are expected to bring experience, expertise, and a commitment to responsible gaming standards.

Justice Ministry representatives

Nathalie Patouossa has been appointed as the French-speaking representative, while Daisy Vervenne will serve as the Dutch-speaking representative. Their roles include monitoring legal compliance, ensuring that gambling operators adhere to national laws, and evaluating policies related to consumer protection and responsible gambling.

Finance Ministry representatives

Anne-Laure Mouligneaux will serve as the French-speaking representative for the Minister of Finance, with Ignace Vandewalle representing the Dutch-speaking community. Their primary responsibilities include overseeing financial integrity, taxation compliance, and the implementation of anti-money laundering measures within the gaming sector.

Economy Ministry representatives

The Economy Ministry has appointed Michaël Stokard (French-speaking) and Sahin Yazici (Dutch-speaking) to the commission. Their role will be focused on ensuring that gaming operations support economic objectives, including sustainable growth, employment, and innovation in the regulated gaming market.

Interior Ministry representatives

Stéphane Obeid will serve as the French-speaking representative, while Béatrice Vossen will act as the Dutch-speaking representative for the Interior Ministry. These members are tasked with ensuring internal regulatory compliance, public safety, and coordination with law enforcement authorities on matters related to gambling operations.

Health Ministry representatives

The Health Ministry representatives, Ferdinand van der Gracht (French) and Lena Boons (Dutch), will focus on the social and health implications of gambling. Their responsibilities include monitoring gambling addiction programs, supporting responsible gaming initiatives, and coordinating with healthcare institutions to address public health concerns related to gambling.

National Lottery Ministry representatives

Caroline Dujacquier (French-speaking) and Tom van Caeckenberghe (Dutch-speaking) will oversee policies related to the National Lottery, including transparency, accountability, and ensuring that lottery proceeds contribute to social and cultural programs in Belgium.

Each position also has an alternate representative who can assume responsibilities as required over the six-year term. This system ensures continuity and operational resilience within the commission, even in cases of absence or temporary incapacity.

Attendance fees and governance structure

According to the recently enacted decree, every commission member and their alternate will receive an attendance fee of €62 ($72.71) for each half-day session they participate in. This fee structure replaces previous rules set in 2023 and is part of a broader effort to formalize governance procedures within the Gaming Commission.

The ministers from each respective sector retain oversight responsibilities and are accountable for the execution of the royal decree. This ensures that the appointments are not only formalized legally but also actively integrated into each ministry’s operational framework for gaming regulation.

International collaboration and regulatory alignment

In addition to restructuring its internal governance, the Belgian Gaming Commission has strengthened international collaboration. The commission recently formalized a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Ireland’s Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRAI). This MoU underscores Belgium’s commitment to harmonizing regulatory practices with other European jurisdictions, sharing best practices, and enhancing cross-border oversight of online and offline gaming operators.

Such partnerships are increasingly important in an era where digital gaming platforms often operate across national borders. By collaborating with the GRAI, Belgium aims to improve regulatory intelligence, prevent illegal gambling activities, and ensure that consumers have a safe and secure gaming environment.

Importance of linguistic representation

Belgium’s approach to appointing bilingual representatives underscores the country’s unique linguistic and cultural landscape. With French and Dutch as the primary languages, it is essential that both communities are adequately represented in regulatory decisions. This ensures that policies, communications, and oversight activities are inclusive, transparent, and accessible to all stakeholders.

This bilingual structure is particularly critical in legal interpretations, public consultations, and stakeholder engagement, where miscommunication could have significant consequences for compliance and enforcement. By incorporating both French and Dutch-speaking representatives, the Gaming Commission demonstrates a commitment to fairness, equity, and cultural sensitivity in its governance.

Focus areas for the new commission

The new members of the Belgian Gaming Commission are expected to focus on several key priorities over the next six years:

Strengthening regulatory compliance

Ensuring that gambling operators comply with Belgian law remains a top priority. This includes licensing, operational transparency, anti-money laundering compliance, and adherence to technical standards for online and land-based gambling.

Promoting responsible gambling

The commission will oversee programs designed to prevent gambling addiction, encourage self-exclusion tools, and educate consumers on responsible gaming practices. Health Ministry representatives will play a particularly important role in this area.

Enhancing financial oversight

Commission members representing the Finance Ministry will monitor revenue reporting, taxation compliance, and financial audits to maintain integrity and transparency in the sector.

Encouraging economic growth

Through the Economy Ministry, the commission will support sustainable growth in the gaming market, including the promotion of innovation, employment, and technological advancements in online and offline gambling.

Supporting national lotteries

The National Lottery representatives will ensure that lottery operations remain transparent, accountable, and that proceeds are used for social, cultural, and charitable purposes.

Future outlook

The formation of the new Gaming Commission represents an important step forward for Belgium’s gambling industry. With a structured governance system, bilingual representation, and enhanced international collaboration, the commission is well-positioned to navigate challenges in a rapidly evolving industry.

Over the next six years, stakeholders—including operators, consumers, and government institutions—can expect greater transparency, robust oversight, and proactive initiatives designed to promote a safe, sustainable, and ethical gaming environment.

Conclusion

Belgium’s decision to finalize the new Gaming Commission members through a royal decree demonstrates its commitment to high standards of governance, regulatory transparency, and public accountability. By appointing bilingual representatives from key government ministries, Belgium is ensuring that its gaming oversight framework reflects both national diversity and international best practices.

With a focus on compliance, responsible gambling, financial integrity, economic growth, and social accountability, the newly constituted Gaming Commission is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of regulated gambling in Belgium.

FAQs

What is the Belgian Gaming Commission?
The Belgian Gaming Commission is the national regulatory body responsible for overseeing gambling activities, including casinos, lotteries, and online gaming.

When did the new members of the Gaming Commission take office?
The new members officially started their six-year terms on 1 September 2025.

Why are there two representatives for each ministry?
Belgium has French and Dutch-speaking communities, and each ministry appoints two representatives to ensure balanced linguistic representation.

Who are the Justice Ministry representatives on the commission?
Nathalie Patouossa represents the French-speaking community, and Daisy Vervenne represents the Dutch-speaking community.

What is the attendance fee for commission members?
Each member or alternate receives €62 ($72.71) for each half-day meeting attended.

What international collaboration has the commission undertaken?
The Belgian Gaming Commission signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI).

What role do Health Ministry representatives play?
They focus on responsible gambling, monitoring addiction programs, and coordinating with healthcare institutions on public health matters.

How are alternates involved in the Gaming Commission?
Alternates can assume responsibilities for regular members when necessary, ensuring continuity over the six-year term.

What is the role of National Lottery representatives?
They oversee transparency, accountability, and the allocation of lottery proceeds to social and cultural initiatives.

How does Belgium ensure the legal safety of gambling operations?
Through strict oversight by the Gaming Commission, compliance monitoring, financial audits, and alignment with international best practices.