Belgian ban on gambling ads to come into force in June
Online casino ads prohibited, while sports betting ads severely restricted
The Belgian Gaming Commission (BGC) has confirmed that all advertisements for online casino companies will be prohibited from 1 June.
Under the rules, which were first released in October 2018, holders of online casino and slots licences are only allowed to advertise on their respective websites and are barred from advertising on TV, in print or via any online site other than their own.
In all cases, online casino operators will only be allowed to advertise on their sites if they meet certain criteria outlined by the Belgian government in its Royal Decree.
Advertising of online sports betting during live sporting events has been totally banned, while all other sports betting advertising can only take place after the 8pm watershed.
Online sports betting ads are limited to one commercial break and will not be allowed 15 minutes before the start and 15 minutes after the end of programmes that specifically target children.
All gambling adverts are required to include warnings about problem gambling, with authorities now being given powers to fine operators for failing to comply. Likewise, all operator websites are required now required to ensure players have access to its responsible gambling provisions.
In addition, all gambling operators are barred from awarding players bonuses of more than €275 (£241) per month. While licensees are obliged to impose mandatory playing limits of €500 a week or less.
Online casino firms are prohibited from using athletes or celebrities as part of their marketing materials and from targeting platforms or media accessible by minors.
Etienne Marique, chairman of the Belgian Gaming Commission called the prohibition on online casino advertising a “step forward” in the regulation of games of chance in Belgium.
The full decree can be found here.