Belgian Council of State Suspends Napoleon Games Award of Grand Casino Brussels Licence
TL;DR — The Belgian Council of State suspended Napoleon Games’ 15-year Grand Casino Brussels licence after Viage successfully challenged procedural errors, inadequate justification, and lapses in European foreign subsidy rules. The incumbent, runner-up in bidding, seeks a full review as its licence expires December 31. Brussels must now decide on restarting, revising, or reassessing the tender.
SCCG Take — This exposes how tender process gaps invite successful legal blocks near licence expiry, delaying revenue. Bidders on public concessions should demand and document strict regulatory adherence to limit such risks.
The Belgian Council of State has suspended the new 15-year licence awarded to Napoleon Games to operate the Grand Casino Brussels. This follows a legal challenge from incumbent operator Viage, which has run the casino since 2010 and finished second among five bidders in the competition for the €750m concession.
Focus Gaming News reports that Viage argued the selection process failed to properly apply criteria, lacked sufficient justification, and contained significant errors in assessment. The challenge also pointed to a potential conflict of interest involving Brussels mayor Philippe Close, who sits on the board of Anderlecht football club partnered with Napoleon Games and did not withdraw from related discussions.
Procedural Deficiencies Cited in the Ruling
The Council of State ruled in Viage’s favour after reviewing the request for suspension. The court determined that not all elements of the tender specifications had been adequately taken into account and that some considerations used in the assessment do not appear to be relevant. It further found that obligations from European rules governing foreign subsidies distorting the internal market had not been respected.
Siham Makrache, spokesperson for Viage, said: “We’re pleased that the Council of State has ruled in our favour. We expect the case, on which we have worked for years, to be reviewed and for this to be done correctly.”
Options and Risks Ahead of December 31 Deadline
The Grand Casino Brussels generates around €10m in annual royalty payments for the City of Brussels. With Viage’s current licence due to expire on December 31, authorities face three main paths: restart the concession process, revise the reasoning for the Napoleon Games selection, or reassess the bids. Restarting would likely take several months, and Viage has opposed that route, stating it “would cost us another year” while seeking certainty instead of temporary solutions or extensions.
A spokesperson for Close said the City takes note of the ruling and is examining the judgement to determine next steps. Further legal challenges from unsuccessful applicants remain a possibility. This outcome shows how gaps in tender justification and regulatory adherence can unravel an award and force operators and officials into extended uncertainty just months before an existing licence ends. Authorities must now correct the identified deficiencies or face prolonged disruption to a key revenue source.
Reporting: Focus Gaming News
Generated by SCCG’s automated editorial system from published source reporting. SCCG Management holds editorial responsibility.
Tender process gaps near licence expiry invite successful legal blocks, delaying revenue and exposing regulatory risk in public concessions.
We see this pattern globally: rushed or poorly documented tender processes become legal targets when stakes are high. With Viage's licence expiring December 31 and €10m annual royalties at risk, this isn't just a Belgian issue — it's a warning for any operator or government navigating public concessions in competitive markets.
- Council of State suspended Napoleon Games' 15-year, €750m Grand Casino Brussels licence after incumbent Viage challenged procedural errors
- Court cited inadequate justification, failure to apply criteria properly, and lapses in European foreign subsidy rules
- Brussels faces December 31 deadline with three options: restart tender, revise reasoning, or reassess bids — all risk further delay
SCCG angle: SCCG has guided clients through complex European licensing and tender challenges across 30-plus years. When regulatory or procurement processes become contested, we connect operators and governments with the legal, compliance, and strategic advisors who know how to document, defend, and de-risk these high-stakes awards before they land in court.
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