Online gambling law and regulation in Belgium

Online licences are only available to operators holding land-based licences. There are three types of licence: A+ (online casino games), B+ (online arcade games) and F1+ (online betting). Online lotteries can only be provided by the national lottery (Loterie Nationale).

Since 1 July 2023, advertising for games of chance has been regulated by the Royal Decree of 27 February 2023. The general rule is that only certain specified forms of advertising are permitted, with any other form of gambling advertising being prohibited.

Since 1 January 2025, the broadcasting of sports sponsorship messages (on TV, radio or video-sharing platforms) using the brand name and/or logo of gambling operators is no longer authorised during Belgian sports competitions. Further, all forms of sports sponsorship by gambling operators are prohibited at the location where the sport takes place (e.g., in sports stadiums and at race circuits).

As an exception to the above, between 1 January 2025 and 31 December 2027, sports sponsorship by gambling operators remains authorised only through the display of their brand name and/or logo on sports clothing (players or teams), provided that the brand/logo (i) does not exceed 75 cm² of the total surface of the sport clothing and (ii) is not displayed on the front of the sports clothing.

As from 1 January 2028, all forms of gambling sponsorship in professional sports will be prohibited (but will remain authorised under certain specific conditions for amateur sports).