Most Popular Bookies in Belgium

The Belgian people are fond of sports betting. The players have a variety of sports to choose from ranging from horse race betting, football betting, basketball, volleyball, and golf. Some people like casino games such as Roulette, Blackjack, Poker, Baccarat, classic, and Video Slots.

The most favorite game among players in Belgium is football. Belgium has a rich history in football a reason why the sport is a fan favorite even in gambling. Markets available in football betting include the winning side, teams to score, handicap bets, over/under in terms of goals, and goal scorers.

There are several tournaments provided by betting companies in Belgium including top European competitions such as the Champions League. Local football matches are also provided making football betting popular in the country.

Other games like Golf, Basketball, and Volleyball also have numbers in terms of sports betting. Betting sites are always sure to provide markets for tournaments involving these games since they attract many punters from the country.

In the more recent e-sports field, Belgian bettors appear to follow the same trend as players. Games like Dota 2, Overwatch, StarCraft, League of Legends, and Rocket League are as popular with punters as they are popular with players and teams.

The history of betting in Belgium dates back to the 15th century when historians discovered card games and a national lottery. At the time, gambling was a market without regulations and control. There were no rules or an organization to limit the activity. The first known event in the Belgium gambling market was the creation of the national lottery.

Since then, the gambling culture has consistently grown over the years. To cater to the growing demand, there has been an increase in sports betting and more casino options which have resulted in the rise of gambling in horse racing.

In 1999, the Belgian Gaming Commission was established. Also, the Gaming Act which is used to date to dictate legal matters of gambling was adopted. The Belgian Gaming Commission was charged with the responsibility of ensuring new betting organizations are licensed provided they meet the required standards. It also monitors whether the bookmarkers operate per the Gaming Act.

Online gambling was legalized in 2002. Since then, numerous bookmakers have entered the market to provide the service. The reception of the fun and thrill-filled activity was positive. Many people have little if any reservations about gambling.

Betting nowadays in Belgium

2011 marked a major milestone for gambling in Belgium. The country's online gambling law came into full effect. A few amendments to the 1999 law were enacted. Since 2011, many international bookies have exploited the market. Today, the gaming commission in the country runs both online and offline gambling activities. As a requirement to operate in Belgium, gambling service providers must ensure physical presence. In online gambling, the standard tax rates used all over the country stand at 11%.

The laws set for gambling are equal in that they seek to ensure punters are not exploited and the providers remain in business. For instance, there is a law that states the maximum betting limit is €500 ($567)per week. This law is set to ensure players' safety and to prevent money laundering through gambling platforms. This law does not affect Belgian players who bet on international bookies.

The laws about gambling are very strict and can lead to prosecution and huge penalties when violated. Unauthorized bookmakers are operating within the country. To safely use these bookies without landing in trouble, always use a VPN. At the moment, there are no taxes on winnings in the country.

Unlike some European countries that have banned all online gambling activities, Belgium has legalized the venture since 2011. Players are free to engage in all activities provided they are guided by the law. The country has been trying to gain control over physical and online casinos to protect vulnerable players such as minors from addiction.

For a gambling company to be operational in the country, it must have a license for brick and mortar and a physical operation. Online licenses cover all online games that are offered under the land-based license.

There are international companies that offer gambling services without following the rules. Some online sports betting sites have also been operating without licenses. To curb this, the Belgium Gaming Commission started blacklisting these companies. Companies on this blacklist attract a fine of up to €100,000 (113489). Belgian citizens who have been found participating in the blacklisted sites also get a penalty of about €25,000 ($28372). The minimum age for people to access online gaming sites is 21.

Gambling activities in Belgium are guided by the Act of 7th May 1999. This Act was later amended in 2010 and 2019 to ensure smooth operation in the gaming field. Definitions provided in this act include games of chance, gaming establishments, betting, and the protection of players.

Games of chance are games where any kind of stake is placed and there are two consequential outcomes. One is the gain of favor by one of the parties in the game and the other is loss of the stake committed. Also, games that are played on social networks that require players to pay to receive more play money fall in the games of chance category even though there are no winnings.

Legal Acts in the betting scene are important to ensure individual rights are not violated. This is because a regulated gaming environment will improve the integrity of games and it is easier to detect problems in gaming making it safe for the bettor. This control also makes it possible for the government to earn revenue from the venture thus having a positive impact on Belgium's economy.