Belgium Gambling License

Belgium is a member of the European Union (EU) and hosts its headquarters. Additionally, the capital is also the headquarters of the European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA). This can help players feel secure about the reputation of the Gaming Commission. In this article, we will explore the characteristics of the license as well as what players are most interested in: the benefits they get when choosing casinos with this license.

About Kansspelcommissie (KSC)

The Gaming Commission was established by the Gambling Act of 7 May 1999. The Gaming Commission is the official regulator of the gambling sector. The Gaming Commission's main task is to ensure channeling to legal gambling, with the primary aim of protecting players.

Since 2002, online gambling has been legal in Belgium. However, the 2009 Gambling Act mandated that online casino operators obtain a license to operate legally. The Belgian Gaming Commission (BGC) further tightened regulations in 2011 by amending the Gaming Act to require online gambling companies to also have a land-based license in Belgium. Companies without a physical betting location could collaborate with a land-based licensed company to meet this requirement.

The Gaming Commission advises the Government and Parliament on all aspects of the law of May 7, 1999, concerning games of chance, betting, gaming establishments, and player protection. It grants the necessary licenses for the operation of these activities and ensures proactive management. Additionally, the Gaming Commission monitors compliance with the Gambling Act and has the authority to impose sanctions, such as warnings, suspensions, license revocations, and administrative fines.

General Regulations of the Gaming Commission

In addition to its reputation and comprehensive oversight, the Gambling Commission (GC) establishes general regulations for online casino service operators to maintain their licenses and ensures a safe environment for players in the realm of legal online gambling.

For Casino Players:

• As a player you are allowed to deposit a maximum of 200 EUR per week and per website to your online gaming accounts.
• In order to play in a casino or slot machine arcade (online or physical) you must be at least 21 years old.
• To participate in betting (online or physical), you must be at least 18 years old.
• If you are in a procedure of collective debt settlement, you are automatically placed on the EPIS list of the Gaming Commission (GC), this is a list of all excluded players.

For Casino:

• The Gaming Commission obliges licensed gambling sites to pay out winnings from online games of chance within three days.
• Casino operators may only use approved eGambling equipment.
• Casino operators may only permit persons to play if they are registered.
• Casino operators are prohibited from engaging in promotional activities.

Pros and Cons of Gambling at Casinos with the Gaming Commission (KSC) License

Pros: 

Playing at online casinos licensed by the Gaming Commission offers numerous advantages. 

• Thanks to strict laws and direct government intervention, players can rest assured that their interests are protected.
• Players are safeguarded both in terms of their personal information and against pickpocketing scams by unlicensed casinos.
• Security Measures for Gambling AddictionPlayers are also protected mentally from the risk of addiction to games of chance through a security measure known as the Excluded Persons Information System (EPIS).
• The casino, its personnel, the manufacturers of gaming equipment, as well as the repairers and installers, all require licenses. This ensures that players enjoy a safe and stable experience.
• Complaints are handled fairly by reputable government agencies.

The legality of the Belgium Gaming license cannot be overstated. Not only is it a very legit document and has a lot of credibility as an EU gambling license, but it is also acknowledged by several regions all over the world. Therefore, playing at these licensed casinos brings great peace of mind to players in terms of both finances and rights.

Cons:

There are a few disadvantages to playing at licensed casinos here:

• Players must be at least 21 years old to play at online casinos, which is higher than the age requirement for other licenses.
• Players face restrictions on the amount of money they can bet weekly, due to the gambling addiction prevention policy implemented by the commission.

How to Verifying the Authenticity of a Casino's License

To search for online casinos licensed by this committee, you can refer to the following steps:

Step 1: Visit Gaming Commission's homepage at: https://www.gamingcommission.be/en

Step 2: On the search bar, you enter the keyword "Legal games of chance": 

Step 3: You select the first result that appears as follows:

Step 4: From here you can find a list of services that this authority provides licenses for both online and offline.

Step 5: The rest is straightforward. Simply select the service you want to search for. For example, here is a licensed online casino:

In addition The Gaming Commission (GC) also introduced the "Always Play Legally" logo to inform players. This logo is exclusively for use by legally licensed gambling operators approved by the the Gaming Commission:

When reviewing a casino, we carefully check the validity and authenticity of all licenses. As a result, you can trust that our reviews include only legitimate casinos licensed by the Gaming Commission (GC).

How to Submit a Complaint

Below are the steps you can follow to submit a complaint: 

Step 1: Visit the Gaming Commission's homepage at: https://www.gamingcommission.be/en

Step 2: You select the “Contact” section

Step 3: There will be a form where you can fill in your personal information as well as the problem you are having. Please fill in all the information and describe the problem then click "Send".

Step 4: You can then wait for the committee's response via email or phone, but communicating later will help you understand the complaint more clearly and conveniently for both parties.

Contact Information

You can refer to the detailed contact information provided below:

• Address: Kantersteen 47 1000 Brussels Belgium

• E-mail: [email protected]

• Telephone: 02 504 00 40 (Visits are only possible after an appointment by phone.)

• Opening hours: Monday to Friday,from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

If you are unable to reach a mutual solution with a gambling operator, you can file a case with the Consumer Mediation Service.

The Gaming Commission ensures that players can enjoy gaming experiences with confidence, knowing their rights are protected and that operators adhere to ethical standards. This commitment to player well-being fosters trust and loyalty, empowering individuals to engage in gaming activities responsibly. As gaming trends evolve, the GC remains dedicated to upholding integrity and fostering a vibrant, responsible gaming environment for all.

Michael Henson

Mentor

Last updated: 09 September 2024