| Updated: October 31, 2025Belgium’s gambling industry is often cited as a model for other jurisdictions because the country has established a highly successful regulatory system. Although both land-based and online gambling are legal, local authorities and the federal government take additional steps to ensure that player safety always comes first.
Online gambling was legalized in Belgium in 2011, following a 2010 amendment to the Belgian Gambling Act. To offer Belgian players online casino services, operators must obtain the appropriate license from the Belgian Gaming Commission. A distinctive aspect of Belgian gambling law is that online gambling is tied to brick-and-mortar establishments, which means the regulator does not issue licenses to online-only casinos.
Casino Sites in Belgium
Currently, under the Gambling Act, there is a cap on the number of online casino licenses that can be issued to Belgian operators. To find out which brands deliver the best gaming experience, you can check the list we have provided below. Our ranking of the top casinos in Belgium is based on factors such as game variety, convenient payment options, safe and fair gambling, mobile compatibility, and many other elements that contribute to a first-class online casino experience.
Best Casino Bonuses in Belgium
Belgian authorities are very strict regarding online casino bonuses, and the local government has taken additional steps to ensure that Belgium remains one of the most regulated online casino markets in the EU. Although online gambling has been regulated in the country since 2009, the industry has undergone several changes aimed at improving player protection.
All Standard Casino Bonuses Are Banned Tournaments and EventsAll Standard Casino Bonuses Are Banned
Before 2019, online casinos offered a wide range of no deposit bonuses such as free spins, cashback, and more, but in 2019 Belgium introduced a ban on all types of standard casino bonuses. Despite this blanket prohibition, Belgian players can still find various promotions advertised by online casinos operating in Belgium. However, these incentives are not the typical match bonuses, free spins, or other offers that come with wagering requirements.
Tournaments and Events
The majority of Belgian online casinos encourage their members to participate in jackpot tournaments, holiday gift events, or exclusive game tournaments. However, players in the country cannot redeem any offer that requires them to wager bonus funds before the money becomes withdrawable.
Because the government focuses on player protection, it insists that casino promotions not be misleading or give the false impression of free money. In reality, players often end up spending more than they can earn from these incentives.
Casino Regulation in Belgium
Gambling in Belgium has a long history; the activity has been legal since 1851. The primary piece of legislation currently regulating land-based and online gambling in the country is the Gambling Act of 1999. Although the law has been amended several times over the years, it still deems any form of gambling not expressly legalized by the Act illegal.
Since the Gambling Act took effect in 1999, all major forms of gambling have been legalized in Belgium one by one. Online gambling became legal in 2011 after a 2010 amendment to the Act.
While Belgium was one of the first EU countries to legalize online gambling, it is also among the jurisdictions that regulate the sector most strictly. Like many other nations, Belgium combats illegal gambling and gambling-related harm. Nevertheless, the country’s gambling industry has remained relatively free of major crimes and scandals.
Gambling Licensing in Belgium and Cap on Licenses Strict Gambling RegulationsGambling Licensing in Belgium and Cap on Licenses
The regulatory body responsible for governing the gambling industry in Belgium and issuing licenses is the Belgian Gaming Commission. Interestingly, online gambling licenses are linked to land-based gambling licenses, which means only operators authorized by the Commission to offer land-based casino gambling are eligible to provide online casino services as well.
Although this rule has been criticized for contradicting EU online gambling directives, court rulings have so far sided with Belgium. Not only are online casino operations tied to land-based gambling licenses, but there is also a cap on the number of land-based licenses that can be issued to operators.
Currently, there is a cap of 9 casino licenses, up to 180 arcades, and up to 34 bookmaker licenses. Because the limit on all license types has already been reached, it is impossible for international gambling companies to enter the Belgian market.
Strict Gambling Regulations
In 2019, the Belgian Parliament introduced a new amendment to the Gambling Act. Although the local gambling sector was already heavily regulated, the latest amendment made the market even more restrictive.
As part of an effort to create a safer gambling environment for Belgians, the Parliament imposed limits on deposits, casino bonuses, and credit card payments. Since the changes took effect, players may not deposit more than €500 per week. At the same time, all standard casino bonuses have been banned, leaving Belgians without match bonuses, welcome offers, free spins, or cashback promotions.
Gambling-related deposits via credit cards have also been prohibited for Belgian online casino players. The restriction extends to e-wallets because these digital wallets must not be funded with a credit card. For many Belgian players, this is not a major issue, as credit cards are less common than debit cards in much of Europe, including Belgium.
Additional measures introduced in 2019 include a ban on online betting with unlicensed virtual sports betting platforms. To enhance player protection, licensed operators are required to display the messages “Gamble in Moderation” and “Gok met mate” on their official websites.