Belgium Enforces Groundbreaking Change in Gambling: Mandatory ID Checks on Machines

In a monumental move to strengthen responsible gambling, Belgium’s Federal Council of Ministers has greenlit new restrictions on land-based gambling. With immediate effect, every slot machine across retail, leisure, and hospitality sectors in Brussels, Wallonia, and Flanders will implement mandatory electronic ID verification checks.

This swift decision comes as the council identified existing regulations to be inadequate for the venues. The exact timeline and detailed technical guidance regarding the e-ID checks’ rollout will soon be curated by the esteemed Belgian Gambling Commission.

Justice Minister Vincent Van Quickenborne emphasized the gravity of this reform, stating, “Our primary goal is to curb underage gambling and fortify player protection measures. We aim to eliminate the unchecked financial suffering of those battling addiction.”

This transformative move aligns with the European trend, especially noting Denmark’s recent mandatory ID verification for gambling machines.

Over the past 12 months, Belgium has been at the forefront of refining gambling regulations. July witnessed the country’s strict ban on gambling advertising. Moreover, the Belgian Gambling Commission reminded operators about the latest mandate that necessitates the inclusion of the message “gambling is addictive” across all communication channels, replacing the older “please play in moderation” slogan. Significantly, all promotional material, new or existing, should also direct players to Belgium’s gambling self-exclusion website, www.stopoptijd.be.

The nation’s unwavering commitment to responsible gambling signals a new era in player protection and industry accountability.