Belgian Gambling Commission moves to FPS Economy: a major shift in strategy

Starting June 1, the BGC will officially fall under the authority of FPS Economy. The reform was approved in plenary session in Parliament and stems directly from the federal government agreement.

Led by Minister of Economy David Clarinval and Minister of Justice Annelies Verlinden, this move marks a clear break from the past. Historically, gambling was primarily regulated from a law enforcement and prevention perspective. Now, it is also being treated as a structured economic activity.

While the reform may seem administrative on the surface, its implications are far-reaching. It represents a fundamental shift in how the gambling market is governed.

By placing the regulator under FPS Economy, Belgium aims to better align its institutional framework with the realities of a modern gambling market—one that generates employment, tax revenue, and innovation, particularly in digital sectors.

This reform highlights a deeper evolution in policy thinking. Gambling is no longer seen solely as a social or security issue.

Instead, it is acknowledged as a full-fledged economic sector. Keeping it exclusively under the supervision of FPS Justice was increasingly out of step with market developments.

Legally, the reform is implemented through amendments to the Belgian Gambling Act of 7 May 1999.

Key changes include:

Although technical in nature, these changes fundamentally reshape the governance structure.

One of the main objectives of the reform is to improve enforcement against illegal gambling operators.

Belgium has seen a surge in unlicensed platforms, some of which mimic legal brands to deceive players. A purely repressive approach has proven insufficient.

With the BGC under FPS Economy, authorities aim to adopt a broader strategy that combines:

The goal is to better channel players toward licensed and safer operators.

The reform also raises a key question: how to balance consumer protection with economic development?

While the government insists that strong safeguards will remain in place, critics fear that economic priorities may gain more influence over time.

The political landscape reflects this divide:

In parallel, the reform increases the role of municipalities in the licensing process.

This move aims to bring regulation closer to local realities. For land-based operators, it could result in more tailored oversight and improved enforcement at the community level.

The government presents this reform as just the beginning. Additional changes may follow, particularly to address challenges related to digitalization and the international nature of the gambling market.

In the long term, Belgium is likely to strengthen its channeling strategy by:

Beyond its technical aspects, this reform represents a real shift in mindset.

Gambling is now recognized as both a societal issue and a strategic economic sector. The key challenge will be finding the right balance between market growth, player protection, and effective enforcement.

The success of this reform will ultimately be judged on that balance in the months and years ahead.