Belgium and the US Conform to more Stringent Online Gambling Regulations

Belgium is instituting significant changes in its gambling industry, including raising the legal age for all forms of gambling from 18 to 21, BiometricUpdate reported. This adjustment also extends to sports betting, bingo, and arcades, aligning with existing regulations for land-based casinos.

The decision to enforce stricter age requirements is aimed at safeguarding vulnerable demographics and promoting responsible gambling practices, as reported by industry news site G2G. Effective September 1st, 2024, online gambling platforms will be obligated to reimburse customers below the new minimum age, and any wagers made without proper age verification will be voided.

According to SiGMA, in an effort to curtail public exposure to gambling activities, Belgium has introduced new regulations. Initially proposed by Green MP Stefaan Van Hecke, the bill was approved by Belgium’s Chamber of Representatives in January after five years of advocacy. Notably, the National Lottery has been excluded from these regulations, avoiding both the advertising ban and the increase in the legal gambling age.

However, this exemption has stirred controversy among certain MPs. Despite the implementation of stricter rules, there are concerns regarding the proliferation of Belgium’s black market. Critics argue that these regulations might inadvertently push players towards unlicensed platforms. A survey conducted by the Belgian Association of Gaming Operators (BAGO) in December revealed that 43 percent of vulnerable respondents admitted to gambling on unlicensed websites in the past three months. The association estimated that 16 percent of total player expenditure goes towards the unlicensed market.

While these new regulations underscore Belgium’s commitment to responsible gambling, the challenge lies in striking a balance between player protection and the risk of driving individuals towards unregulated avenues.

Meanwhile, in a notable development in the U.S. gambling landscape, the largest online gambling operators are banding together to form a new trade association named The Responsible Online Gaming Association (ROGA). Among its key objectives is the establishment of an independent data clearinghouse to facilitate the sharing of information concerning consumer protection measures, although specific details are pending disclosure.

Jennifer Shatley, a prominent figure in the gambling industry, will lead ROGA as its executive. She expressed the association's commitment to enhancing consumer protections and streamlining access to responsible gaming resources for enthusiasts. ROGA boasts a membership comprising seven major gaming operators, collectively covering 85 percent of the legal online betting market in the United States, including FanDuel, BetMGM, Penn Entertainment, Hard Rock Digital, bet365, DraftKings, and Fanatics Betting & Gaming.

However, according to NBC reports, the motivation behind these regulatory adjustments may stem from mounting public criticism regarding the proliferation of gambling addiction. Unlike other regions such as Europe, Australia, Brazil, and the UK, the United States has been relatively slow in enacting regulatory measures, opting instead to encourage industry self-regulation.

In parallel, gambling platforms are intensifying efforts to fortify their customer onboarding procedures. BetMGM, a member of ROGA, has opted for Prove’s Pre-Fill solution to expedite digital onboarding by up to 79 percent, as per a joint announcement. This implementation aims to reduce abandonment rates, bolster security measures, and mitigate the misuse of bonuses and promotions, such as the repeated use of codes intended solely for first-time users.