Belgian Gambling Commission reports player growth

The Belgian Gambling Commission has released its highly anticipated Annual Report for 2024, providing an extensive overview of player trends, licensing activity, regulatory actions, and sanctions issued over the past year. The report not only highlights significant growth in online player participation but also underscores the Commission’s intensifying regulatory enforcement, reflecting a commitment to a secure and legally compliant gaming environment.

Significant increase in player numbers

A key focus of the report was the analysis of player activity across both online and land-based gambling platforms. According to the report, the average number of daily players across regulated platforms in Belgium reached 155,643, marking a 37.4% increase since 2020. This surge indicates the growing popularity of legal gambling channels and reflects broader engagement with digital gaming products.

In addition, the number of visitors who engaged in gambling at least once per month also increased. By 2024, 602,288 players were recorded in this category, representing a 19.8% growth compared with 2020. This highlights the gradual expansion of casual player participation, an important metric for both industry stakeholders and regulators monitoring market health.

The number of new player registrations in 2024 further illustrates this upward trend. A total of 193,342 new players joined regulated platforms during the year, an increase of 15% year-on-year. Such growth underscores the attractiveness of Belgium’s regulated gaming sector and its effectiveness in drawing players away from illegal or unregulated alternatives.

Despite these robust online numbers, land-based gambling participation remained modest by comparison. The report notes that an average of 15,937 players visited brick-and-mortar casinos each day. While land-based activity continues to be an important aspect of the gambling landscape, it is clear that digital channels now dominate overall participation.

Trends in excluded persons registrations

Belgium’s Excluded Persons Information System (EPIS) plays a critical role in responsible gambling policies, enabling players to voluntarily exclude themselves or be added to the system for preventive and legal reasons. In 2024, the EPIS system saw diverse registration drivers:

• 31.6% of registrants joined voluntarily, demonstrating proactive engagement with responsible gambling measures.
• 31.8% were registered as part of legal proceedings, reflecting the system’s use in regulatory enforcement.
• 33.6% joined through collective debt settlement programs, highlighting the intersection of financial management and gambling regulation.
• Only 3% were included due to other legal procedures, showing that regulatory interventions remain targeted and precise.

The demographic breakdown of excluded individuals revealed that out of 56,458 people on the EPIS list, 12,609 were women, 38,823 were men, and 5,422 were of unconfirmed gender. These figures offer valuable insights into player behavior and underline the importance of maintaining strong support systems for at-risk individuals.

Licensing overview for 2024

The report also provides a comprehensive overview of licensing activity across Belgium’s gambling industry. Licences are classified into categories from A to E, reflecting casino operations, automatic gaming rooms, suppliers, and other stakeholders.

At the end of 2024, Belgium had nine A (casino) licences and nine A+ licences, which represent enhanced casino permissions. Notably, Brussels Casino had its licence renewed until the end of 2026, while Middelkerke Casino received approval for its new site, signaling continued investment in physical casino infrastructure.

• For automatic gaming, there were 175 B licences and an additional 49 B+ licences, reflecting the robust regulation of automated gaming venues.
• The café sector held 4,272 C licences, demonstrating widespread legal access to gambling activities in public social spaces.
• Staff and service providers were also accounted for, with 8,534 D licences issued for staff of gaming establishments, and 17,519 E licences for suppliers and appliance repairers.
• Overall, the report recorded 408 betting agencies, 28 bookmakers, and 1,281 bookstores, alongside other licensing types, showing a broad regulatory reach across diverse sectors.

This comprehensive licensing framework ensures that all operators comply with Belgian regulations, safeguarding both players and the integrity of the market.

Regulatory inspections and controls

The Belgian Gambling Commission carried out rigorous controls on operators during 2024, targeting unlicensed and non-compliant entities. A total of 101 unlicensed operators were inspected during the year. Among these, 31 operators were inaccessible, while the remaining 70 were asked to restrict access to Belgian players. Of those, 19 complied, 34 were blacklisted, and 14 were reinspected to ensure enforcement measures were effective.

Additionally, 105 illegal gaming URLs were blocked in 2024, reinforcing Belgium’s determination to maintain a safe and legal gaming environment.

Affiliate oversight also featured in regulatory activities. Six affiliates received warnings for failing to update player information in their advertisements, of which three complied, illustrating that the Commission actively monitors marketing practices to ensure compliance with player protection standards.

Sanctions and financial penalties

The 2024 report highlights a marked increase in sanctions issued by the Commission, reflecting a stricter enforcement approach. The 133 sanctions issued included:

• 66 fines
• 21 licence withdrawals
• 7 suspensions
• 22 warnings
• 17 unapplicable sanctions

Notably, the total fines reached €4.6 million ($5.4 million), nearly quadruple the €1.1 million fines issued in 2023. This substantial increase indicates that regulatory compliance is a top priority for the Belgian Gambling Commission and sends a clear message to operators that violations will be met with financial consequences.

Comments from the Commission president

Reflecting on the report, President Magali Clavie expressed cautious optimism regarding the future of the Commission and its role in the Belgian gambling landscape. She stated:

“Too much precious time has been wasted. It would be a shame and a shame to waste even more.

“The new Government's agreement, made public on 31 January 2025, finally offers a glimpse of new perspectives, as it provides for a reform of the Commission and a transfer to the Minister of the Economy, the sole authority. This should be enough to breathe new life into things and allow us to rethink things after 25 years.

“May this reform go in the expected direction and may it allow the Commission to grow and adapt, with modernity, to the market that it regulates, as do its European counterparts, whom I thank here for our discussions and work within the Gambling Regulators European Forum.

“May we, while awaiting its concrete implementation, and therefore from now on, have the operational and structural means to match our missions and the challenges of our regulation.”

These comments underscore the Commission’s commitment to continuous reform, modernization, and alignment with European regulatory standards, ensuring that Belgium remains at the forefront of responsible and well-regulated gaming.

Implications for the Belgian gambling market

The 2024 Annual Report presents a clear picture of a gambling market undergoing significant growth, both in player participation and regulatory oversight. The 37.4% rise in daily players since 2020 highlights the growing popularity of legal gambling, while the substantial increase in fines demonstrates the Commission’s commitment to enforcing compliance.

The report also signals important changes on the horizon, particularly with the upcoming government reform transferring oversight to the Minister of the Economy. This structural shift could streamline operations, strengthen regulatory enforcement, and potentially introduce new measures aimed at enhancing player protection and market transparency.

For operators and stakeholders, these developments emphasize the importance of compliance and proactive engagement with regulatory changes. For players, the reforms promise a safer and more secure gambling environment, aligned with responsible gaming principles.

Conclusion

The Belgian Gambling Commission’s 2024 Annual Report reflects a dynamic and evolving gambling sector. Strong growth in player participation, particularly online, demonstrates the market’s attractiveness, while the increase in sanctions and fines underscores the Commission’s rigorous approach to compliance and consumer protection.

With government reforms expected to reshape oversight structures, the Commission is positioning itself for a new era of modernization and efficiency. As Belgium continues to align its gambling regulations with European counterparts, both operators and players can anticipate a more transparent, secure, and well-regulated market in the years ahead.

FAQs

What is the average number of daily players in Belgium for 2024?
The average number of daily players across regulated platforms reached 155,643 in 2024.

How much has player participation grown since 2020?
Player numbers have increased by 37.4% compared with 2020.

How many new players registered in 2024?
A total of 193,342 new players registered, marking a 15% increase from the previous year.

What is the Excluded Persons Information System (EPIS)?
EPIS is a system allowing players to voluntarily exclude themselves or be excluded for legal and preventive reasons.

How many A and A+ casino licences were issued?
Belgium held nine A licences and nine A+ licences at the end of 2024.

How many illegal gaming URLs were blocked in 2024?
The Commission blocked 105 illegal gaming URLs during 2024.

What was the total amount of fines issued in 2024?
The fines totaled €4.6 million, nearly four times higher than in 2023.

Who is the President of the Belgian Gambling Commission?
Magali Clavie is the current President of the Belgian Gambling Commission.

What changes are expected in the Commission’s oversight?
The Commission will transfer authority to the Minister of the Economy as part of government reforms.

What was the average number of land-based casino visitors per day?
An average of 15,937 players visited land-based casinos each day in 2024.