Online bingo is legal in Belgium but operates under strict regulations governed by the Belgian Federal Act of 7 May 1999 on games of chance, betting, gaming establishments and player protection, as amended by the Act of 18 February 2024 (1). The Gaming Commission serves as the official regulator of the gambling sector, established by the Gambling Act to ensure channelling to legal gambling with the primary aim of protecting players (2). All gambling activities in Belgium are generally prohibited, with exceptions made only through a comprehensive licensing system managed by the Gaming Commission (1).
Belgium requires online gambling operators to hold a physical land-based gaming license before obtaining supplementary licenses for internet operations, limiting online licenses to existing brick-and-mortar establishments (2). This unique regulatory approach ensures better control as operators are less inclined to commit violations when their physical gambling licenses are also at risk (2). The Gaming Commission grants licenses necessary for the operation of games of chance and betting, provides advisory services to the Government and Parliament, and maintains monitoring functions with the power to impose sanctions including warnings, suspensions, license revocations, and administrative fines (2).
"The Gaming Commission was established by the Gambling Act of 7 May 1999. The GC is the official regulator of the gambling sector. The GC's main task is to ensure channelling to legal gambling, with the primary aim of protecting players."
Belgium implemented significant regulatory changes effective September 2024, raising the minimum gambling age from 18 to 21 for all forms of gambling including online bingo, sports betting, arcades, and land-based casinos (1). The legislation also introduced a complete ban on online bonuses and incentives, prohibiting any form of gift, bonus, free participation, game credits, or similar advantages intended to influence player behavior or attract users (1). Furthermore, a general prohibition on gambling advertising now applies except in expressly authorized cases, with unauthorized advertising potentially resulting in fines ranging from €208 to €576,000 depending on the severity of the offense (1)(2).
Source:
https://www.lexgo.be/en/news-and-articles/14259-gaming-advertising-regulation-in-belgium
https://www.gamingcommission.be/en
Last updated: 28-10-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
