Belgium to expand online casino market
Newly-formed coalition government pledges to increase number of casino licences from nine to 11
Belgium looks set to welcome two additional operators into its tightly controlled online gaming market after the country’s recently formed coalition government revealed plans to increase the number of land-based casinos.
According to the government’s coalition agreement, which was published last week, the country will seek make a further two permits for bricks-and-mortar casinos available, increasing the overall tally from nine to 11.
The move would pave the way for two more online casinos, with remote gaming permits only available to operators operating land-based establishments in the country.
“The government will review the Games of Chance Act of 7 May 1999 [â¦], with the purpose of increasing the number of allowed Class 1 establishments of games of chance to 11,” the coalition agreement read.
Speaking to eGaming Review this morning, a spokesperson for the Belgian Gaming Commission said the regulator had not been consulted on the proposal to increase the number of licences but said it would back any measure that could be incorporated into a broader regulatory policy.
“We will give our support to any legislative initiative that improves the current channelling policy with respect for the protection of the player,” the spokesperson said.
Current licensed online casino operators in Belgium include the likes of Unibet and Ladbrokes, while bwin.party also gained a presence after it struck a partnership deal with landbased casino company Groupe Partouche in December 2012.