Belgian Gambling Regulator Faces Funding

Belgian Gambling Regulator Urgently Needs More Funding to Enforce Advertising Ban

Belgium’s gambling regulator, Kansspelcommissie, is struggling to enforce the nation’s strict gambling advertising ban, raising alarms about the regulator’s ability to uphold critical public safety measures. A new report reveals that underfunding and understaffing are severely hampering Kansspelcommissie’s operational effectiveness, leading to inconsistent enforcement and an increase in unlicensed gambling activity. As the Belgian government pushes for tougher restrictions, the question arises: can the regulator cope without additional resources?

Report Highlights Severe Operational Challenges

The report found that Kansspelcommissie is grappling with operational challenges stemming from chronic underfunding and understaffing, making it difficult to effectively enforce Belgium’s broad advertising ban. Researchers noted that while public awareness of the advertising restrictions remains limited, gambling sponsorships and product placements during sports broadcasts continue to slip through the regulatory net.

The report pointed to the regulator’s inability to act against multiple infringements, such as “incidental advertising during sports broadcasts, product placements, and promotions on social media.” This lack of action is particularly concerning given that these forms of advertising target vulnerable groups, including minors and those at risk of developing gambling problems.

The Kansspelcommissie’s collection rate for fines further illustrates the extent of its struggles, with only 21% of penalties being successfully collected in 2023. Additionally, the regulator has been criticized for its slow response times in blocking illegal gambling websites, particularly those operating from non-European jurisdictions like Curacao.

Advertising Ban Faces Enforcement Challenges

Belgium’s sweeping gambling advertising ban came into effect in July last year, prohibiting most forms of marketing, including on TV, radio, print media, social media, and in public spaces. However, despite these measures, the report found that enforcement has been inconsistent. The ban is set to extend to sports stadiums from January 1, 2025, and gambling sponsorships in sports will be banned from January 1, 2028.

A critical observation from the report highlighted the partial nature of the current restrictions. While gambling advertising has noticeably declined in some areas, prominent forms such as sports sponsorships remain widespread. This ongoing visibility continues to expose vulnerable groups to gambling promotions, undermining the intended protective measures of the advertising ban.

The report also called out the Kansspelcommissie’s inability to tackle unlicensed gambling websites efficiently, highlighting that the regulator’s IP blocking measures against blacklisted sites have been slow and ineffective.

Need for a Strong, Independent Gambling Authority

The report concludes that a “strong, independent gambling authority” is crucial to ensuring the advertising ban is more than just a symbolic gesture. It urges a broader public health approach that includes a total ban on gambling advertising and stricter controls on harmful gambling products.

Moreover, the report dismissed industry arguments that advertising bans would push players towards the black market. It found no substantial evidence to support these claims, noting that customers still find legal operators when searching online for gambling products.

Urgent Need for Resources and Action

The challenges faced by the Kansspelcommissie underscore the urgent need for increased funding and staffing to enable the regulator to enforce Belgium’s gambling laws effectively. Without these resources, the effectiveness of the advertising ban—and broader efforts to protect vulnerable populations—remains in jeopardy. As Belgium continues to tighten its gambling regulations, it must equip its regulator with the tools needed to ensure that these measures are not merely symbolic but truly impactful in curbing gambling-related harm.