Belgium introduces mandatory €500 deposit limit

The Belgian Gaming Commission has introduced a €500 per week deposit limit for all customers of licensed gambling sites as part of new player protection measures.

Under the new rules, the €500 limit will apply per individual player and cannot be increased.

However, individuals seeking to reduce this limit can do so via individual operator websites, with operators required to process the reduction immediately.

Customers with previously reduced limits can request an increase up to the €500 threshold, with any increase taking effect three days after.

Operators found to be allowing players to deposit more than the limit can be sanctioned by the commission, with any disadvantaged players obliged to be refunded immediately.

Belgium’s gambling industry has been in lockdown following the Covid-19 outbreak, with all land-based casinos closed until 19 April at the earliest.

As part of measures aimed at safeguarding online players during the lockdown, the commission said all players concerned about their gambling can apply to be self-excluded from all licensed operators.

Earlier this month, the Belgian Gaming Commission confirmed the appointment of Magali Clavie as its new chair and president, replacing Etienne Marique.

Clavie, a magistrate, has previously served as president of the Belgian High Council of Justice, and has occupied several roles at the council over the last seven years. She also spent more than 21 years working as a judge in Belgium’s judicial system.