Belgium’s legal gambling market turns negative for the first time after 2023 reform
Belgium’s gambling regulator announced that by the end of 2024, revenues from licensed operators decreased by 4.86%, reaching €1.61 billion. This marks the first market decline since the pandemic, with the bingo segment experiencing the most significant drop.
The main reason cited for this decline is the stringent regulatory changes introduced in 2023: raising the minimum player age to 21, advertising restrictions, and a complete ban on bonuses. Amid these changes, former footballer Eden Hazard came under scrutiny for collaborating with a crypto casino.
The key issue now is whether Belgians are genuinely gambling less legally or if part of the audience has shifted to the illegal sector. The regulator promises to publish final conclusions in the 2025 report.
Belgium’s gambling market is officially legalized and regulated to ensure player safety and sector oversight. The 2023 reform imposed stricter operational conditions to reduce social risks linked to gambling.
This reform has led to a revenue drop for operators, posing challenges for regulators and the market. Moving forward, assessing the impact of these restrictions on both legal and illegal gambling sectors will be critical to developing effective control measures.
