Compliance Updates
Belgium Makes Legal Age to Gamble at 21 from September
Belgium regulators have made new amendments to the gambling laws in the country with the legal gambling age from 18 to 21. This move aims to align the age requirements for sports betting, arcades and bingo with those already in place for land-based casinos. The revised regulations are set to come into effect on September 1, 2024, and have been outlined in a press release by the Gaming Commission, as published in the Belgium Official Gazette.
The decision to increase the legal gambling age in Belgium is part of a broader effort to prioritise player safety and well-being. By raising the age limit, the authorities aim to provide a more secure environment for individuals engaging in gambling activities. The new legislation includes several other measures designed to safeguard players and ensure responsible gambling practices:
- Prohibition of Devices “3.3”: The revised regulations include a ban on the use of specific gambling devices, known as “3.3” devices. This prohibition aims to eliminate potential risks associated with these devices and promote safer gambling experiences.
- Ban on Cumulation of Online Licences: The new laws also prohibit the cumulation of online licenses on the same website. This measure seeks to prevent operators from exploiting multiple licenses to maximise their reach and potentially exploit vulnerable players.
- Ban on Gifts/Bonuses/Free Games: Another noteworthy provision is the ban on offering gifts, bonuses, or free games to players. This restriction aims to minimise the potential for excessive gambling and the associated risks it may pose to vulnerable individuals.
- Ban on Advertising Games of Chance: The revised regulations also introduce a ban in principle on advertising games of chance. This change intends to reduce the exposure of individuals to gambling advertisements, particularly targeting vulnerable populations, such as minors and problem gamblers.
- Age Limit of 21 Years and Refund in Case of No Control: To ensure effective age verification and compliance with the new regulations, individuals who fail to provide proof of age will be eligible for refunds. This provision emphasises the importance of age control measures and strengthens the responsibility of operators in verifying the age of their customers.
The raised legal gambling age in Belgium will have implications for both operators and players within the country’s gambling industry. For operators, it means implementing necessary changes to comply with the new regulations and adapt their marketing strategies to adhere to the ban on advertising games of chance. Additionally, operators will need to ensure strict age verification processes to prevent minors from accessing gambling services.
Players, particularly those between the ages of 18 and 21, will be directly affected by the increase in the legal gambling age. Those who were previously eligible to participate in certain gambling activities may now need to wait until they reach the age of 21. However, it is essential for players to understand that this change is intended to protect them from any potential harm associated with underage gambling. Responsible gambling practices and adherence to legal age limits are crucial for maintaining a safe and enjoyable gambling environment.
While the decision to raise the legal gambling age has been made with the best intentions, there are concerns and criticisms regarding certain aspects of the revised regulations. One notable concern is the potential for the new advertising restrictions to inadvertently benefit illegal operators. The Belgium Association of Gaming Operators (BAGO) has expressed opposition to a total ban on gambling advertising, arguing that it could make it more challenging for consumers to differentiate between legal and illegal operators.
Tom De Clercq, Chair of BAGO, emphasises the need for targeted advertising limitations rather than a blanket ban. BAGO advocates for limiting advertising, particularly through traditional media, but warns against the potential negative consequences of a total ban. They believe that a comprehensive approach that combines responsible advertising practices and effective regulation is key to maintaining a healthy and well-regulated gambling industry.
BETBY
BETBY ACHIEVES GLI CERTIFICATION FOR PERU, EXPANDING ITS FOOTPRINT IN LATIN AMERICA’S REGULATED MARKETS
BETBY, a top-tier sports betting supplier, has received certification from Gaming Laboratories International (GLI) to provide its sportsbook solution in Peru’s regulated market. This certification marks another significant milestone in BETBY’s continued expansion across Latin America.
With the Peruvian government formalizing its regulated sports betting framework, GLI certification has emerged as a crucial requirement for providers aiming to serve licensed operators in the country. BETBY is now authorized to deliver its innovative and tailored sportsbook solutions in Peru’s rapidly expanding regulated betting market.
GLI’s certification, recognized as a benchmark for excellence, validates BETBY’s ability to meet Peru’s strict technical requirements, including those related to sportsbook functionality, information security management systems, and information security standards. Peru’s regulatory framework is primarily based on GLI-33 certification, which BETBY successfully achieved in early 2025. As a result, the company was well-positioned to swiftly meet the country’s compliance standards.
“Peru represents a key step in our broader Latin American growth strategy, as the region continues to adopt clearer regulatory frameworks for online sports betting,” said Ilze Ramolina, Head of Legal & Compliance at BETBY. “Securing GLI certification for this market, which has a growing digital infrastructure and tech-savvy audience, allows us to support licensed operators in launching compliant and competitive offerings from day one. This is yet another step forward in our mission to deliver tailored, localized solutions that meet both local requirements and regional expectations across the region.”
This achievement follows BETBY’s previous certification for the Brazilian market, solidifying its presence in two of Latin America’s most promising jurisdictions. The supplier’s flexible and highly localised sportsbook platform, combined with its commitment to compliance, positions it as a trusted partner for operators looking to thrive in newly regulated environments.
By entering the Peruvian market, BETBY continues to demonstrate its strategic focus on Latin America, providing hyper-localized, engaging, and secure sports betting experiences for both operators and players.
To find out more about BETBY, visit: https://betby.com/
The post BETBY ACHIEVES GLI CERTIFICATION FOR PERU, EXPANDING ITS FOOTPRINT IN LATIN AMERICA’S REGULATED MARKETS appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
EGT Digital is proud to announce that it is licensed to operate in Gibraltar. The company has obtained authorization from the Gibraltar Regulatory Authority, allowing it to provide all its core products – the X-Nave platform, the Gaming Aggregator, and the casino games, within the British Overseas Territory.
Securing the Gibraltar license marks a significant strategic milestone for EGT Digital, granting access to one of the most respected and tightly regulated jurisdictions in the global iGaming industry. This achievement reinforces the company’s commitment to compliance and operational excellence, while also enhancing its credibility and competitiveness in key regulated markets.
X-Nave, EGT Digital’s modular iGaming platform, includes four core components – Sportsbook, CRM Engine, Gaming Aggregator, and Payment Gateway – available as part of the turnkey solution or as standalone services.
The Gaming Aggregator offers access to over 24,000 titles from 300+ providers, while the company’s own portfolio features more than 140 in-house developed casino games, including the popular Bell Link, High Cash, Clover Chance, and the newest jackpot solution Gods & Kings Link.
EGT Digital’s slots currently have a presence in more than 70 markets globally and are recognized across the industry for their high quality and outstanding performance.
Tsvetomira Drumeva, Head of Sales at EGT Digital, commented: “Receiving the Gibraltar license is a key milestone for us. It strengthens our position as a trusted provider in regulated markets and opens new opportunities to collaborate with leading partners across the iGaming ecosystem.”
The post EGT Digital is a licensed iGaming provider for Gibraltar appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has issued cease-and-desist orders to five illegal online gambling operators—BoVegas Casino, BUSR, Cherry Gold Casino, Lucky Legends, and Wager Attack Casino—after discovering they were targeting Michigan residents without proper licenses. These operators are violating Michigan’s Lawful Internet Gaming Act, the Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act, and the Michigan Penal Code.
“These illegal sites undermine the integrity of Michigan’s regulated gaming industry and put players at serious risk. We will not tolerate unlicensed gambling operations that exploit Michigan residents. Our top priority is to protect the public by enforcing the law and shutting down these illegal platforms,” said Henry Williams, Executive Director of the MGCB.
Details of the Crackdown
BoVegas Casino: Offers slots and table games while ignoring Michigan’s strict licensing requirements, leaving players vulnerable to fraud and unfair gaming.
BUSR: Markets itself as a sportsbook and casino but operates without the consumer protections required by Michigan law.
Cherry Gold Casino: Promotes a wide range of slots and table games but lacks Michigan licensure, putting players at risk.
Lucky Legends: Claims to offer a “VIP experience” with bonuses but bypasses state regulations designed to ensure fairness.
Wager Attack Casino: Combines sports betting and casino gaming without a Michigan license, exposing consumers to unregulated practices.
The MGCB’s investigations found that these sites have been accepting wagers and deposits from Michigan residents on sports events, slots, blackjack, and other casino games—all without the oversight and safeguards required by law. Players using these platforms face unreliable payouts, unfair gaming practices, and have no legal recourse in case of disputes.
“These illegal operations, whether offshore or operating without a Michigan license, exploit players and put them at risk. We will continue to take strong action to protect the integrity of Michigan’s gaming industry and to ensure that residents have access to safe, legal, and regulated gambling options,” Williams said.
The cease-and-desist orders demand that each operator immediately halt all gaming activities in Michigan. They have 14 days to comply or face further legal action from the MGCB in collaboration with the Michigan Department of Attorney General.
The post MGCB Issues Cease-and-Desist Orders to Five Illegal Online Gambling Operators appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
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