The VAD, a prominent Flemish expertise center focusing on issues related to alcohol, psychoactive medication, gambling, gaming, and illegal drugs in Belgium, has recently issued its 2024 memorandum. In this comprehensive document, the organization calls for a significant change in the country’s gambling laws, emphasizing the need to raise the age for online gambling from 18 to 21.
Age Restriction Discrepancy:
The existing age limits for gambling in Belgium present a discrepancy between land-based casinos and their online counterparts. While physical casinos enforce a minimum age of 21, online casinos currently allow individuals as young as 18 to participate. The VAD argues that this incongruity creates a potential risk for younger players, as it fails to provide consistent protection across different gambling platforms.
Sports Betting as a Gateway:
The VAD highlights sports betting as a particular concern, asserting that it serves as a gateway for younger individuals to develop gambling addictions. Citing the 2022 World Cup as an illustrative example, the organization notes that over 43,000 new gamblers registered on licensed gambling sites in Belgium during the evaent, with a significant majority being under the age of 30. This alarming statistic underlines the urgency of addressing age restrictions, especially for online sports betting.
Prevention of Addictive Behavior:
The primary objective behind the VAD’s call to raise the age for online sports betting to 21 is rooted in the prevention of addictive gambling behavior in young adults. By aligning the age limit for sports betting with that of other online gambling activities, the organization aims to create a cohesive regulatory framework that safeguards the well-being of vulnerable demographics.
Integration of Addiction Coverage in Healthcare Policies:
In a forward-looking approach, the VAD also advocates for amendments to healthcare policies to include coverage for addiction in insurance policies. Recognizing gambling addiction as a legitimate health concern, the organization emphasizes the importance of providing comprehensive support for individuals grappling with this issue. By integrating addiction coverage into insurance policies, the VAD seeks to ensure that those affected have access to necessary resources and assistance.
Ongoing Measures in Belgium:
Belgium has been proactive in addressing gambling addiction, evidenced by the ban on gambling advertisements implemented since July 1, 2023. This measure reflects a commitment to curbing the influence of marketing on potential gamblers, particularly those who may be susceptible to developing addictive behaviors.
Financial Implications for Licensees:
Notably, the Gaming Commission (GC) in Belgium has recently disclosed the license fees for 2024. Licensees are now required to pay fees ranging from €22,085 to €123. This financial aspect underscores the regulatory commitment in Belgium, indicating that the authorities are actively engaging with industry stakeholders to both regulate and fund initiatives aimed at tackling gambling-related issues.
As Belgium grapples with the evolving landscape of online gambling and its potential impact on vulnerable demographics, the VAD’s call for raising the age of online gambling to 21 emerges as a crucial step toward ensuring a consistent and protective regulatory framework. By addressing age discrepancies, focusing on specific risk factors like sports betting, and advocating for broader healthcare coverage, the VAD aims to establish a comprehensive approach to mitigate the adverse effects of gambling addiction in the country.