The Belgian Gaming Commission (GC) has recently disclosed the licensing fees for the year 2024. These fees, dictated by a royal decree and awaiting publication, vary based on the permit class of the license holder, encompassing operating, personnel, and establishment costs.
License Fee Structure:
The license fees for 2024 range from €22,085 ($24,193) to €123 ($135), with different amounts assigned to each permit class. The highest contributions are expected from class A and G1 permit holders, while G2 permit holders face the lowest fees. The license classes include A, A+, B, B+, C, D, E, F1, F1+, G1, and G2, each corresponding to specific aspects of the gaming industry, such as land-based casinos, slot machines, manufacturers, betting, and media games.
Governmental Approval Process:
The royal decree, outlining these fees, received approval from the Council of Ministers under the proposal of Minister of Justice Paul Van Tigchelt. However, as of now, the decree remains unpublished. The GC’s secretariat is expected to send payment invitations to license holders post-publication, thereby initiating the contribution process.
Insights from the Gaming Commission:
Beyond its role in fee regulation, the GC serves as an authoritative body monitoring trends in the Belgian gaming sector. Recent reports delve into player behavior, with a September 2023 study revealing that 62% of surveyed 18–30-year-olds gamble monthly or less, while 13% engage in daily gambling. Additionally, only 36% of participants could distinguish between legal and illegal gambling sites.
Industry Partnerships:
In parallel developments, Pragmatic Play has introduced its live casino games in Belgium through a strategic partnership with Gaming1, the owner of the Circus brand. This collaboration extends to the Netherlands, making Pragmatic Play’s games accessible on Circus’ platform.
As the gaming landscape in Belgium evolves, the GC plays a pivotal role in shaping the regulatory framework. The forthcoming publication of the royal decree will mark the initiation of financial contributions from license holders, reflecting the ongoing efforts to maintain a balanced and transparent gaming environment. Meanwhile, industry collaborations, such as the one between Pragmatic Play and Gaming1, underscore the international dimension of Belgium’s gaming sector.