Belgium is a country located in the western part of Europe, neighbours include the Netherlands, Germany, Luxembourg, France and the United Kingdom across the Strait of Dover. In 1993 the country embarked on a process of restructuring and transformed into a federal state. Betting in Belgium is quite organized, and there are fair and very exciting options available to the players. Discuss about the history of sports betting, the laws that govern betting in Belgium, and the best betting sites in Belgium.
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Table of Contents
Summary of Key Events
Belgium History of Gambling – an Overview
The history of gambling in Belgium goes way back to the 1300s with card games and lottery being the most popular. The national lottery was established and had become a usual activity in the society of Belgium by the 15th century. Moving forward to the construction of the Grand Casino in Knokke which was designed by the famous architect Leon Stynen and even though there were some difficulties and/or challenges during the Second World War, became a cultural and social landmark.
However, Belgium legislated for gambling officially only in 1999. Belgian Gaming Commission was established to regulate and monitor the provision of gambling services; this was the starting point of a controlled gambling environment.
The Belgian Gaming Commission
Established in the year 1999, the regulatory body known as Belgian Gaming Commission regulates all gambling activities and makes sure that the operators are not violating the rules that have been set down by the commission. This body consists of officials from different sectors of the government for instance justice, finance, and public health.
Key Legislative Milestones
- May 7, 1999: According to the Gambling Law, gambling is considered as a “game of chance. ”
- 2011: The Belgium Gaming Act regulates the gambling and allows the online gambling combined with the traditional one.
- March 2022: The Gaming Commission issues an opinion that calls for the need to come up with better regulations on online games of chance.
- February 27, 2023: A Royal Decree sets new and quite severe conditions for the advertising of land and online gambling.
Regulatory Agencies of Betting Sites in Belgium
The Belgian Gaming Commission uses the system of licences to control various kinds of gambling. From casinos to betting shops no establishment is allowed to operate without a permit, based on the type of business
Types of Licenses
Class 1 (Casinos):
- Licence A: Thus, for the land-based casinos.
- Licence A+: In the case of online operations.
Class 2 (Amusement Arcades):
- Licence B: For the land based operations,
- Licence B+: For online operations.
Class 3 (Cafes and alcohol-selling establishments):
- Licence C: Permits up to two games are allowed.
Class 4 (Bookmakers):
- 1. Licence F1: As a way of arranging the bets.
- 2. Licence F2: For receiving and accepting bets from the public for the account of F1 holders only.
- 3. Licence F1+: In this context, for online betting.
Prohibited and Permitted Bets
The Belgian jurisdiction has clear rules regarding what is considered to be a legal and an illegal bet. It also outlines the types of games that are permissible in various gambling facilities while putting very tight reins on the number of gaming machines that can be installed in a betting shop.
Advertising Restrictions
New rules have been set to completely ban advertisements especially to the susceptible groups and children. Starting from the year 2028, gambling firms cannot advertise their products on sports teams and the cost of the sponsorship will not be set off against tax.
Gambling Licenses and Fees
Operating a gambling business in Belgium requires adherence to specific licensing protocols:
- 1. Licence A (Casinos): These sources are renewable after a period of 15 years.
- 2. Licence B (Gaming Arcades): Stated to be renewable every nine years.
- 3. Licence C (Bars): No limit on the quantity a firm may apply for and valid for five years.
- 4. Licence F1 (Organizers of Bets): Expiring every nine years.
- 5. Licence F2 (Betting Shops): It is renewable every three years and there are 600 fixed and 60 mobile licenses to be given out.
Gambling Taxes
Belgium’s gambling tax structure is designed to ensure fair play and governmental revenue:
- Casinos: has to part with 20% of the gross gaming revenue as tax.
- Amusement Arcades: This leaves the … who will have to pay a 33% tax.
- Betting Shops: It is required to pay 15% of tax on the gross revenue.
List of the Best Betting Sites in Belgium
Belgium has many known betting sites that people can visit. Here are some of the best:
Dafabet:
Dafabet
Extensive market coverage.
Competitive odds.
Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) regulated.Up To £130 + £5 Free Bets
Mr. Play:
Mrplay
Good odds especially when it comes to the popular sporting activities.
Live streaming options.
Offers such as ‘free bets’ and ‘money back if your horse finishes second to the SP favourite’.Up To £100
MrGreen:
MrGreen
User-friendly interface.
Comprehensive range of markets.
High-quality customer service.Up To £100
Main Developments in Belgian Sports Betting Market
Belgium is yet one of the countries that have been hosts of international sports events and has done wonders. Here are some key milestones:
- 1920 Olympic Games: Located in Antwerp and it is the first big international sports event in Belgium.
- 1972 UEFA European Championship: Demonstrated Belgium’s capacity to hold large scale sports event.
- 1980 UEFA European Championship: The Belgium’s national football team was ranked the second.
- 2000 UEFA European Championship: Together with the Netherlands, it presented Belgium as a country that is ready to cooperate.
Celebrating Belgian Sports Stars
Belgium has produced some of the world’s most celebrated athletes who have achieved great success in various sports:
- Eddy Merckx: Famous cyclist, who took five times the Tour de France championship.
- Kim Clijsters: Ex professional tennis player with four grand slam singles titles to his/her credit.
- Vincent Kompany: Soccer star and the team’s leader of Manchester City with excellent playing abilities.
- Justine Henin: Australian tennis player who has won the Olympic gold in singles in 2004 and many grand slam titles.
Gambling Laws in the Neighboring Countries
France
France has a very controlled gambling environment where different permits are issued for the traditional and the online gambling business. There are strict legal provisions that govern the advertising aspect of operators as well as the protection of the players.
Germany
The German gambling laws have been consolidated in the Interstate Treaty on Gambling 2021 recently. It covers the two main types of gambling, both the brick and mortar as well as the virtual, focusing on the promotion of safe gambling.
The Netherlands
The Dutch Remote Gambling Act which came into force in 2021 regulates remote gambling and mandates that the operators have a physical establishment in the country. Regulations are enforced by The Netherlands Gambling Authority, to ensure that all guidelines are followed to the letter.
Conclusion
The history of sports betting in Belgium is accompanied by the current legal framework and the involvement of communities. People of all levels of experience can benefit from knowing the legal aspect regarding betting and the most reputable sites to use. To get more information and not to miss anything new in the sphere of sports betting, subscribe to our newsletter right now!
FAQ: Best Betting Sites in Belgium
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