Betclic goes live in Belgium

Betclic-Everest Group has launched its flagship Betclic brand in Belgium as the Paris-based operator continues its expansion into regulated European online gambling markets.

The Betclic.be site went live today having partnered with land-based casino operator Ardent Group, formerly Circus Group – only those with a retail presence are able to gain online permits – just two days before the start of Euro 2016.

The launch of the online sports betting and casino website comes nine months after eGaming Review revealed the Belgium Gaming Commission had removed Betclic-Everest’s brands from the country’s blacklist.

And the operator’s chief executive, Isabelle Andres (pictured), said she was pleased to launch in Belgium in time for the eagerly-anticipated European Championships in France.

“We are delighted to be operating in Belgium, a country where we have a strong reputation with Belgian customers, and to partner with a company whose quality, reputation and strength are unanimously recognised,” she said.

“As the leader of online sports betting in France, we approach this market with determination and ambition. Our launch will be supported by the dynamics of Euro 2016 and the performance of the Red Devils [Belgium] who are among the favourites for the competition.”

Betclic-Everest’s launch in Belgium comes just two weeks after becoming the first operator to go live in Portugal with one of the country’s new sports betting licences.

The operator also recently launched its Expekt brand in Greece, although a spokesperson confirmed there were no plans to launch any of its additional brands in the southeastern European market for the foreseeable future.