How Casinos in Belgium are Circumventing Bonus Ban

The gambling industry in Belgium has changed in the past few years. This is due to the strict rules that have been put in place and implemented with the vision of reducing issues related to gambling.

These rules include a bonus ban, increased age limit, ban on advertising, and so on. However, casinos in Belgium have found a way to navigate through these restrictions and strive despite the challenges thrown at them. In this article, we will tell you all that you should know about these developments and what the future holds for the casino industry in Belgium.

History of Laws and Restrictions Placed on Gambling in Belgium 

In July 2023, Belgium introduced new gambling laws which were put in place to dim the attractive side or nature associated with gambling, thereby reducing the risks of gambling addiction amongst its population. These laws include a ban on gifts/bonuses/free games, an increase in the age limit from 18 years to 21 years, and a ban on the accumulation of licenses on the same website. 

Overview Of The New Regulations 

Here’s an overview of the new regulations put in place by the government in Belgium.

• Increased Age Limit

In many countries, the legal age placed on betting is 18 years. The legal age for gambling in Belgium was initially 18 years, however, it has been raised to 21 years, and the government claims that the aim is to protect younger individuals from potential gambling risks.

• Ban on Bonuses

Bonuses, free games, and gifts are efficient and trusted tools used by online casinos to attract players, it is a form of advertisement that has been a common strategy used by these casinos. However, the Belgium law has stopped these operators from using this effective tool.

• Restrictions on License Accumulation

The restrictions placed on license accumulation are claimed to be put in place to reduce the market power of online casinos. Casinos can no longer hold multiple licenses on the same platform.

• Ban on Advertisement 

A ban was also placed on public advertisement. However, the regulation allows operators to advertise to individuals who express their interest in gambling. The question running through your mind might be, how do Online Casinos identify those with interest? The answer is that advertising is allowed when the consumer searches gambling keywords. So Belgium’s betting industries are investing in online search engines.

Motive Behind The New Laws

The following are the motives behind the new laws on the bonus ban in Belgium.

• To Reduce Gambling Addiction 

By banning bonuses which is an efficient and aggressive marketing tool known to pull the crowd, the government in Belgium aims to make gambling less attractive and tempting for individuals, especially the younger and vulnerable population 

• Reducing the Influence of Advertising to a Minimal Level

Advertisements are known for their highly persuasive nature. By placing restrictions on adverts, the government cripples the tools used for enticement by the industry which promotes or pushes people into developing irresponsible betting behavior.

• Protecting Minor And Vulnerable Population 

The law or move by the government in increasing the age limit from 18 years to 21 years seems to be a move to protect the minor and vulnerable part of the population.

Strategies Used In Circumventing Bonus Ban

Despite the bonus ban in Belgium, the industry has made more money recording €1.7 billion in gross profit up 16.74 percent from the year before. This only translates to meaning that Bonus Casino Belgium navigated the huddles and have found a way to attract players without violating the laws put in place. Here are a few methods that Casinos in Belgium have used in navigating through these trying times

• Better User Experience 

By taking advantage of user data casinos are trying to create better and improved experiences for players. The aim is to keep its players satisfied and keep them engaged without offering traditional bonuses they are used to. In creating an improved experience, they’re expanding their support options by providing prompt and efficient assistance to make them feel supported and valued.

• Irresistible Events and Programs

Instead of offering direct bonuses and violating laws put in place, Casinos in Belgium now host events offering players a chance to win in competitions and also offering rewards and points that can be redeemed. These events and programs are made or created in a way that makes them irresistible.

• Investing in Online Search Engines

Bonuses are great tools for attracting players. Casinos have found investing in online search engines as an alternative tool, by creating casino-related content that consumers might search for, thereby seizing this opportunity to attract players to their sites.

The Rise of the Black Market

The implementation of these strict regulations has led to a rise in the already outrageous percentage of illegal gambling sites. A large number of the population is now drawn and engaged in these sites as they offer bonuses and promotions, and allow below the 21-year-old limit, all these are what licensed operators can’t offer. In 2023, studies show a 6 percent rise in the number of online players using illegal websites and a 4 percent increase in deposits made on illegal gaming websites. The second study shows a 4.4 increase in illegal operators in 2023.

The gaming commission in Belgium has noted that these strict rules are pushing a great number of the population into using illegal sites, thereby undermining the government’s regulatory efforts and posing a risk to players’ safety.

The Future of Gambling in Belgium 

The future of gambling in Belgium may involve adjustments in response to the challenges posed by the new laws like the rise in the number of illegal operators. Suggestions by experts in the industry point towards the government revisiting these laws to create a balance that would completely flush out illegal operators or reduce their numbers dramatically and form a shield to prevent its penetration and protect players. This can be done by engaging stakeholders through dialogue to foster responsible gambling while allowing licensed casinos to thrive.

By focusing on creating a better user experience through community engagement and enhanced support, investing in online search engines, and researching more ways to attract players without going against the set rules, Casinos in Belgium can navigate and thrive despite the complexities posed by these strict rules.