On this page 7
- Criminal investigation opened following anonymous complaint
- Napoleon Games' €750 million concession suspended
- Philippe Close and Anderlecht drawn into the controversy
- Viage's future remains uncertain
- European scrutiny could affect the timetable
- 286 employees waiting for clarity
- What does this mean for the Belgian casino sector?
The dispute over who will operate the Brussels casino from 2027 has taken another turn. Following the Council of State's suspension of the concession awarded to Napoleon Games, Brussels prosecutors have opened a criminal investigation following an anonymous complaint. The future of current operator Viage remains uncertain, with 286 jobs potentially at risk and the existing concession due to expire on 31 December 2026.
Criminal investigation opened following anonymous complaint
The controversy surrounding the Brussels casino concession is no longer confined to administrative proceedings and political debate.
The Brussels public prosecutor's office confirmed on 28 September that it had opened a criminal investigation into possible unlawful involvement in a public decision-making process. The investigation follows an anonymous complaint and is being conducted against persons unknown.
The Federal Police have been tasked with carrying out further checks.
Importantly, prosecutors have not publicly identified any suspects or disclosed the details of the allegations. The existence of an investigation does not establish that a criminal offence has been committed.
The new investigation comes at a particularly sensitive moment for the Belgian gambling industry, with the future of one of the country's most important land-based casinos still unresolved.
Napoleon Games' €750 million concession suspended
On 17 July 2026, the City of Brussels selected ECK, the company behind Napoleon Games, to operate the Brussels casino from 1 January 2027.
The new concession was intended to run for 15 years, until the end of 2041, with an estimated total value of approximately €750 million excluding VAT. That figure represents the estimated economic value of the concession over its duration, rather than a direct payment to the City.
The decision would have seen Napoleon Games replace Casinos Austria International Belgium, which currently operates the venue under the Viage brand.
However, Viage challenged the award before Belgium's Council of State, arguing that the City's evaluation of the competing bids was insufficiently justified.
On 31 August, the Council of State suspended the award to ECK.
In its official decision on the Brussels casino concession, the court identified several shortcomings in the evaluation process. These included insufficient explanations of how the tender criteria had been applied, questions about certain partnerships mentioned in the successful bid and non-compliance with requirements under European rules on foreign subsidies.
The suspension does not automatically award the concession to Viage. Instead, it requires the City to reconsider how the procedure should continue.
Philippe Close and Anderlecht drawn into the controversy
The concession has also attracted political scrutiny because of links between Napoleon Games, RSC Anderlecht and Brussels Mayor Philippe Close.
Close serves as an independent, unpaid board member of Anderlecht, while Napoleon Games is a commercial partner of the football club.
These connections prompted questions from opposition representatives about whether the mayor's involvement could create a conflict of interest.
Close has consistently rejected those allegations, pointing out that the Council of State did not base its decision to suspend the concession on any finding of a conflict of interest involving him.
According to reporting by L'Echo, ECK's proposal included approximately €3.8 million over 15 years for a football-based social integration programme targeting young people from disadvantaged neighbourhoods.
The involvement of commercial partners connected to Anderlecht also attracted attention.
These relationships have added another dimension to the debate over gambling sponsorship in Belgian football.
Nevertheless, an important distinction remains: political questions about potential conflicts of interest are separate from the criminal investigation. There is no public confirmation that the anonymous complaint specifically concerns Philippe Close or any other named individual.
Viage's future remains uncertain
While the administrative and criminal proceedings continue, the immediate problem is the approaching end of the current concession.
Grand Casino Brussels Viage, located on Boulevard Anspach in central Brussels, has been operated by Casinos Austria International Belgium since 2010.
Its existing concession expires on 31 December 2026. The new operator was originally expected to take over the following day.
Viage previously opposed a straightforward extension of its existing concession, arguing that prolonging the arrangement would not resolve the legal problems identified by the Council of State.
The operator has instead called for a transparent reassessment of the bids already submitted.
More recently, however, reporting published on 6 October indicated that the City and Viage had reopened discussions about a possible extension. No final agreement has been confirmed.
This leaves several possibilities open, including a renewed assessment of the original bids, a fresh concession procedure or a temporary arrangement intended to avoid an interruption of activities.
Each option involves legal and practical difficulties, particularly with so little time remaining before the current agreement expires.
European scrutiny could affect the timetable
The dispute also involves European legislation.
The Council of State identified shortcomings related to the application of EU rules on foreign subsidies that may distort competition.
According to La Libre's reporting on 6 October, citing information from the Synova trade union following a meeting with the City, a European Commission decision on the procedure was expected on 28 October 2026.
That reported date introduces another important milestone, although it does not guarantee that the concession dispute will be settled immediately afterwards.
Brussels must ensure that any new decision complies with both Belgian and European legal requirements.
286 employees waiting for clarity
The uncertainty has consequences beyond the two competing gambling operators.
The concession dispute directly affects 286 Viage employees, including casino dealers, hospitality workers, security staff and other personnel.
Employees demonstrated in September to demand clarity over their future and guarantees concerning the continuation of the casino's activities.
A temporary closure could complicate the transfer of staff to a future operator, while a prolonged interruption could have consequences for suppliers and other businesses connected to the venue.
The stakes are therefore not limited to the €750 million concession or the competition between Napoleon Games and Viage.
They also concern employment, the continuity of a major Brussels entertainment venue and the City's ability to manage a legally sound transition.
What does this mean for the Belgian casino sector?
The Brussels dispute illustrates how closely municipal decisions, public procurement rules and Belgian gambling regulation are connected.
A municipal concession and a gambling licence serve different purposes. Winning the concession does not automatically settle every regulatory requirement necessary to operate a casino.
From CasinoRating's perspective, transparency, regulatory compliance and responsible management should remain central to the selection of any casino operator.
The investigation must be allowed to proceed without prejudging the outcome or the individuals involved. At the same time, the City needs a solution that respects the Council of State's findings and provides certainty for employees and operators.
With the current concession ending on 31 December, the most pressing question is no longer simply whether Napoleon Games or Viage will run the Brussels casino. It is whether a legally secure solution can be reached in time to prevent an interruption of operations in January 2027.
