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Contents
- Belgian Gambling Licenses
- Benefits of Belgian Gambling Laws
- Major Terms for License Acquisition
- License Acquisition Cost and Taxes
- Procedure for Application
- License Holding Price
As it is one of the most developed countries in Europe, Belgium licenses and governs all types of gambling. For those interested in looking at what is available in the country, there are several sites for the selection of Belgian casinos based on preferences and needs.
Belgian Licenses for Gambling
There are four main categories of licenses in Belgium:
- An A license is required to establish a casino. If you want to offer casino games and betting services via the internet, an A+ license will be required.
- An operating business of an arcading slot machine requires a B license. Similarly for online activities of this type of business, a B+ license is required.
- C license: Cafes and drinking establishments may offer a maximum of two games of chance (e.g., bingo or games of ball toss).
- F license is required for bookmakers. It is divided into a series of categories:
- F1 – for the purpose of conducting betting activities;
- F2 – for the purpose of taking bets on behalf of F1 license holders;
- F+ – for internet betting.
B2B operators must possess an E license, which includes a variety of gambling activities such as selling, renting, offering, importing, and exporting gambling equipment or services.
Advantages of Belgian Gambling Laws
Belgium allows all forms of gambling, including online gambling. The legislators have developed comprehensive rules, introducing various types of licenses, some of which are specifically designed for online operators.
Possessing a Belgian license gives you entry into a very regulated market with the benefit of its legal certainty and consumer protections.
Key Terms to Obtain a License
Residents of the EU or EU-registered entities can apply for A and B licenses. Applicants for A, B, E, and F1 licenses must provide:
- Tax returns for the previous three years;
- Director and shareholder details (in the case of legal entities);
- Proof of solvency of funds;
- Features of games offered;
- Rules of the recommended games.
License Fees and Taxes
Licenses' prices are based on category:
- An A license will be €250,000;
- A B license – €75,000;
- An F1 license – €10,000.
Licensees shall also remit an annual fee for renewal.
The managers of casinos will be taxed at a rate of 15% (11% in Wallonia) on gross game revenue.
Proceeds of horse and dog races are taxed at 15% as well.
Web gambling is taxed 11% on gross gaming revenue, i.e., aggregate bets minus paid-out winnings.
Application Procedure
The process varies depending on the type of license. The Belgian Gaming Commission must consider your application within a specified timeframe (e.g., F1 license applications are processed within six months).
The first step is completing a special questionnaire to help the Commission determine your eligibility. If approved, you will need to submit all required documents, as listed above.
Cost of Maintaining a License
Beyond the initial licensing fee, operators must pay an annual fee, which depends on the license type. Taxes—ranging from 11% to 15%—also apply, based on business type and location.
License validity periods are as follows:
- 15 years for Class A licenses
- 9 years for Class B licenses
- 5 years for Class C licenses
- 10 years for Class E licenses
- 9 years for Class F licenses
Player Protection Regulations
Belgian gambling legislation includes strong player protection provisions to prevent gambling addiction:
- Age restrictions: Entry to land and internet gambling houses is excluded for people younger than 21 (ID and national number mandatory). The gambling age in consumption houses is 18. Accepting a wager from minors can result in a fine up to €25,000.
- Payment rules: Payments in the majority of gaming houses (not gambling houses) need to be done in cash. Bank transfer for amounts over €10,000 is allowed.
- Bet limits: Governed by royal decree — up to €25 per session in slot arcades; up to €12.5 per hour in cafés and betting points.
- Employment restrictions: Public officials are prohibited from engaging in gambling business activities.
Violating these regulations entails imprisonment (1 to 3 years) and severe fines. Repeated infringement can lead to doubled punishment, seizure of equipment, and freezing of company assets.