Belgian Group Calls for Raising Gambling Age to 21

In a recent development, the Belgian expertise centre for alcohol, illegal drugs, psychoactive medication, gambling, and gaming (VAD) has urged for a significant change in the minimum age for gambling within Belgium. VAD, which collaborates with the Flemish government and represents over 70 substance and addiction groups, has released a memorandum calling for the minimum gambling age to be raised to 21. This proposal aims to tackle various issues, including problem gambling and the availability of alcohol.

The memorandum from VAD outlines nine critical priorities for policies covering alcohol, psychoactive medication, video games, illegal drugs, and gambling. Specifically, regarding gambling and alcohol, the document suggests adopting three cost-effective measures in legislation: increasing prices, banning advertisements, and limiting availability.

VAD's proposed legislation changes would not only raise the minimum gambling age but also increase the legal age for purchasing alcohol to 18. Currently, Belgians can only gamble at casinos and slot machines, both online and offline, after turning 21. However, the minimum age for placing bets online or at retail locations stands at 18. VAD believes that these restrictions can play a vital role in protecting individuals, particularly those in vulnerable situations.

This initiative follows other recent efforts to address concerns in Belgium's gambling market. In November of the previous year, the Belgian Association of Gaming Operators (BAGO), representing six prominent operators, committed to a duty of care mandate. This mandate included measures such as a uniform detection system, enhanced player communication, and staff training to monitor and address problem gambling within their customer base. BAGO's proactive stance aimed to counter negative perceptions surrounding Belgium's gambling market, emphasizing its commitment to responsible gaming practices.