Kansspelcommissie License

The Role and Function of the Commission

The Kansspelcommissie is the key regulator of the Belgian gambling market. This government authority oversees the entire industry, including online casinos, arcade halls, bookmakers, lottery operators, and platform providers. The commission’s primary goal is to ensure transparent and lawful operations across all gambling activities, protect players’ interests, and prevent possible violations.

Licensing Procedure

Belgium has developed a strict licensing system, with several permit categories available to operators:

• A – Casinos
• A+ – Online casinos
• B and B+ – Gaming halls and slot machines
• F – Bookmakers and tote boards
• E – Equipment and platform providers

To obtain a license, operators must submit a complete package of documents, including a business plan, legal information, verification of the sources of capital, financial statements, and detailed information on management. The commission also requires AML/CFT audits (anti money laundering and counter terrorist financing) and verification that the platform complies with established technical standards. Player funds must be held separately from corporate assets, while operational transparency must also be continuously verified through detailed self-reporting and rigorous audits.

Player Protection and Responsibility

The Kansspelcommissie places particular emphasis on player protection. Gambling is permitted only from the age of 21, and operators are required to verify a user’s identity and age during registration. Deposit and bet limits are enforced, and self restriction tools are available. The national EPIS system allows players to temporarily or permanently block access to all licensed gambling platforms.

Licensed operators post publications and other informational materials highlighting the risks of gambling addiction, run preventive awareness campaigns, and assist player support hotlines. If an operator encounters financial difficulties, player deposits are protected by the state. These funds cannot be used to settle debts or for any other purposes.

The commission also oversees the protection of personal data under GDPR, imposes strict requirements on operators’ technical solutions, and regularly updates its security standards.

Advertising, Oversight and Legislation Development

In recent years, the Kansspelcommissie has tightened advertising regulations, banned aggressive bonus offers, and increased operators’ responsibility before players. Oversight is carried out using advanced digital analysis tools, and the commission works closely with prosecutors and law enforcement agencies. This cooperation enables the rapid identification of illegal operators and the shutdown of suspicious websites.

Public awareness campaigns are updated annually. Players are provided free consultations, educational materials on gambling related risks, access to self restriction services, and round the clock support hotlines.

International Cooperation and Standards

The KansspelCommissie actively adopts the best international regulatory practices, works closely with EU associations, implements modern IT solutions, and strengthens security standards across the industry. Transparent licensing procedures, thorough inspections, and effective audit tools make the Belgian gambling market one of the most stable and reliable in Europe.

Achievements in Numbers

The KansspelCommissie actively maintains statistics and conducts digital monitoring of the Belgian gambling market.

• In 2023, the industry’s gross revenue reached EUR 1.7 billion, while the share of online gambling grew by nearly 18 percent to EUR 944 million.
• Over the year, the commission processed more than 168,000 new player registration applications and identified 101 suspicious platforms, 34 of which were added to a blacklist.
• The minimum participation age was raised to 21, and the weekly online betting limit was reduced to EUR 200.
• In 2024 alone, more than 9 casino licenses were issued and renewed, 175 licenses for slot machine halls were granted, and more than 4,000 permits were issued for gaming cafes.
• A total of 133 administrative fines were imposed, 21 licenses were revoked, and 7 operators suspended their operations.
• The EPIS system processes tens of thousands of voluntary self restriction applications each year and thousands of requests to cancel voluntary exclusions. In 2023, 4,740 such applications were reviewed.
• A full ban on gambling advertising has been in effect since July 2023, and from January 2025 restrictions are being introduced on the use of logos and sponsorship elements at sporting events.

The Kansspelcommissie is considered one of the most progressive commissions in Europe. It implements digital protocols, enforces the strictest player protection measures, and regularly publishes detailed reports covering the entire gambling sector.

Conclusion

The Kansspelcommissie establishes a modern, reliable, and transparent regulatory framework for Belgium’s gambling industry. Rigorous operator oversight, clear rules, strong player protection, and regularly updated standards create a safe and accessible market. Players can trust that their rights and funds are protected, while companies operate legally and build customer confidence. The Belgian regulatory model is widely recognized across Europe and serves as an example for other countries.