In a move aimed at fortifying gaming regulations and intensifying efforts against underage gambling, Belgium’s Federal Council of Ministers has given the green light to new restrictions on land-based gambling. The approved measures will mandate electronic ID verification for all retail, leisure, and hospitality slot machines across Brussels, Flanders, and Wallonia.

The decision to enforce these restrictions through a fast-track process underscores the urgency perceived by the council. They will be addressing the inadequacies of existing rules, particularly concerning retail and recreational establishments. The move, which the ministers approved last Friday, is similar to others recently appearing in other countries.

The Belgian Gambling Commission (BGC) is tasked with developing a comprehensive time line and providing technical guidance.

As Belgium strengthens its stance against the potential harms of gambling, these regulatory interventions aim to safeguard the vulnerable — particularly the youth — and create a more responsible and accountable gambling environment for all stakeholders involved. The emphasis on electronic ID verification and preventative messaging reflects a concerted effort to curb the adverse effects of excessive gambling while fostering a culture of responsible gaming.

Vincent Van Quickenborne, Belgium’s minister of justice, emphasized that the primary objective of this move is to combat gambling by minors and bolster responsible gambling measures.

“This is an important step in the fight against gambling addiction,” Quickenborne recently told the press. “We will no longer tolerate unchecked financial pain at the expense of people with addiction.”

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