Ladbrokes and Unibet handed Belgium live dealer extension

The Belgian Gaming Commission has given a number of operators, including Ladbrokes and Unibet, an extended period in which to ensure their live dealers are provided by Belgium-based suppliers.

The regulator recently revealed plans to enforce a ban on live dealers supplied by from outside of Belgium’s borders, with operators previously given until the start of February to provide the regulator with details of their dealer set-up.

However, following a meeting held last week, a total of seven operators have been given until the end of H1 in order to alter their live dealer set-up and ensure they meet the requirements as laid down by the regulator.

In addition to Ladbrokes.be and Unibet.be; bwin.be, Goldenpalace.be, 36win.be, Casino777.be and Palladiumgames.be can all continue to offer live dealer games so long as they make the required changes by the end of June.

However, the regulator has warned that from next month all other operators risk financial penalties should they continue to offer live dealer games from studios based outside of Belgium.

“From March the Gaming Commission will initiate sanction procedures against licensees that offer live play without the explicit permission of the Commission,” the regulator said in a statement.

Speaking to eGaming Review this morning, Ladbrokes’ Belgium digital director Ian Catchick confirmed the operator was in the process of working towards meeting the local dealer specification.

“Ladbrokes is working to develop a local live dealer solution that meets the requirements of the Belgian Gaming Commission whilst continuing to offer an appealing product to our customers,” Catchick said.

Belgium maintains tight control over its online gaming market and currently only allows operators with a land-based presence in the country to offer products online.

In October last year the country announced it was to expand its online casino market by increasing the number of casino licences from nine to 11.