The Belgium Gambling Strategy Reform officially began on September 1, 2025, marking the start of a six-year journey to reshape how the country regulates its gambling industry. This new era of oversight is guided by twelve newly appointed members of the Kansspelcommissie (Belgian Gaming Commission), confirmed through a Royal Decree and tasked with balancing public health, consumer protection, economic growth, and national order.
Belgium Gambling Strategy Reform and Its Foundations
At the core of the Belgium Gambling Strategy Reform is a recognition that gambling impacts society on multiple levels—financial, social, and cultural. By bringing together representatives from five ministries—Finance, Justice, Economy, Interior, and Public Health—the government has chosen a holistic approach. Each ministry will play a distinct role in shaping policy, reflecting the complexity of balancing economic opportunity with social responsibility.
The inclusion of both Dutch- and French-speaking representatives underscores Belgium’s bilingual governance, ensuring that reforms resonate across all communities.
Finance and the National Lottery
The Ministry of Finance carries the most weight in the Commission, not only overseeing tax compliance and fiscal law but also regulating the National Lottery. With two extra seats compared to other ministries, Finance ensures that gambling operators adhere to the strictest standards of financial oversight.
The National Lottery, in particular, will face increased scrutiny as new advertising restrictions challenge its marketing strategies. Balancing the Lottery’s role as a state-backed institution while aligning with tightening advertising rules will be a central challenge of this reform period.
Justice and Player Protection
Another cornerstone of the Belgium Gambling Strategy Reform is player protection. Representatives from the Ministry of Justice are tasked with safeguarding consumers from unlicensed operators and enhancing responsible gambling measures. With the online black market growing, this ministry’s role will be pivotal in closing gaps that expose consumers—particularly younger players—to unregulated platforms.
Public Health and Gambling Addiction
The Ministry of Public Health will address gambling as a public health issue. Representatives will track the wider societal impacts of gambling, with a specific focus on addiction. Their work will influence national strategies on sponsorships, advertising, and education campaigns designed to reduce problem gambling and mitigate its long-term effects on society.
Economy and Sports Sponsorships
The Ministry of Economy will evaluate gambling’s contribution to Belgium’s financial ecosystem, from job creation to tax revenues. At the same time, it must weigh the role of gambling sponsorships in sports, particularly football. This creates a natural tension with Public Health, as the economic benefits of sponsorship must be balanced against rising concerns over gambling’s influence on young fans.
Interior and Public Order
The Ministry of the Interior will ensure that gambling aligns with Belgium’s broader social order. Their role emphasizes compliance with community protection standards, ensuring operators uphold rules designed to safeguard public trust and societal stability.
The Long Road Ahead
The Belgium Gambling Strategy Reform is not an overnight fix but a six-year process. Its success will depend on the ability of the Commission to coordinate across ministries and balance competing priorities. Advertising restrictions, black-market crackdowns, and player protection measures will all be tested as Belgium refines its gambling framework in response to both public pressure and industry evolution.
This long-term approach provides stability for operators and clarity for regulators, while also signaling Belgium’s intent to lead with accountability in an increasingly scrutinized global gaming market.
Why It Matters
For the global gaming industry, Belgium’s reform underscores a growing trend: governments are moving toward multi-ministry, cross-sector regulatory strategies. By doing so, they are better positioned to address the financial, health, and societal impacts of gambling in a comprehensive manner.
As countries across Europe and beyond consider similar reforms, Belgium’s six-year roadmap could serve as a model—or a cautionary tale—for how regulatory bodies balance growth with consumer protection.
SCCG’s Role in Guiding Change
As these reforms unfold, operators and stakeholders will need clear guidance to navigate the shifting landscape. That’s where SCCG Management’s iGaming advisory services come into play. With decades of experience advising governments, operators, and technology partners worldwide, SCCG provides the expertise needed to adapt strategies to evolving regulatory frameworks like Belgium’s.
For operators, investors, and innovators seeking to align with new market realities, SCCG offers a path forward. Meet with the leading Gaming Advisory firm to ensure your organization is prepared to thrive within Belgium’s six-year reform journey—and beyond.
