Gamblers in newspaper shops will be registered and monitored

Shops offering sports betting and other means of gambling will be required to register all customers and check whether they are of legal age or on a blacklist, starting 1 October 2022. The new legislation is part of a package of gambling reforms introduced by Belgian federal Minister of Justice Vincent Van Quickenborne.

The legislation was drafted after Belgian national mail company bpost sold its chain of newspaper shops – many of which also offer gambling and sports betting – to a gambling company. “After the clearer rules for gambling in newsagents, we are taking another important step in protecting people against the devastating consequences of gambling addiction,” Van Quickenborne said in a statement.

“The list of excluded persons is a powerful weapon that we want to use more often. Therefore, we also call on all general practitioners, care workers or social workers to use it, in consultation with the person concerned, at the first signs of problematic gambling behaviour.”

Sports betting is becoming increasingly popular, including among young people, and the number of people suffering from a gambling addiction is likewise rising in the country. In Belgium, 497.047 people took part in online betting, for a total stake of 6 million euros. The share of young people gambling has also risen: 18 to 20-year-olds now represent 8,7% of online gamblers, with people aged 21-29 representing 34% and 30 to 39-year-olds accounting for 27%.

The date of 1 October 2022 was chosen because it comes ahead of the football World Cup in Qatar. “Statistics show that large sports tournaments bring an enormous increase in betting."

Checking IDs to ensure gamblers aren't underage or on the list of excluded people is already required for casinos and amusement arcades, but newspaper shops have long existed in a grey area. “By extending this rule to betting shops, minors and vulnerable people will be better protected from the devastating effects of gambling addiction,” Van Quickenborne's office said.

The date of 1 October 2022 was chosen because it comes ahead of the football World Cup in Qatar. “Statistics show that large sports tournaments bring an enormous increase in betting. For example, during Euro 2020 up to four times as many online bettors registered than outside that period.”

Belgium keeps a list of people considered to have problematic gambling behaviour, and people on the list are not allowed to participate in betting or gambling activities. The share of individuals voluntarily adding their names to the list (37,741) has increased by 70% since 2014, and the number of people excluded by the Gambling Commission has increased fivefold in the same period. Gamblers can also end up on the list if a family member, doctor, social worker or any other interested party submits an application to the Gaming Commission.

Photo © BELGA: Justice Minister Vincent Van Quickenborne pictured during a plenary session of the Chamber at the Federal Parliament in Brussels