The Belgium Gaming Commission (BCG) was established in 1999 at a time when the country had an outright ban on games of chance. Since then, new reforms and legislation have come into effect. This considered the growing popularity and demand for online gambling and the ever-increasing trend of illegal gambling activities. The gambling market in Belgium is still heavily regulated, and games of chance are generally prohibited. Still, the country is now moving forward with new laws to ease restrictions and partially issue permits to legalise activities.
This article looks at the gambling situation in Belgium and the BGC’s role in the market. Here, you will also find a list of the best BGC licensed casinos for online players.
BGC Licensed Casinos
Here is a current list of the best BGC licenced online casinos available to players in your country.
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What is the BCG?
Most countries around the world centralise the control of gambling activities through a regulatory body. In Belgium, this responsibility is overseen by the Belgium Gaming Commission (BGC). As part of the Federal Public Service headed by the Minister for Justice, the BGC is responsible for granting gambling licenses and the overall protection of players. The latter is considered the commission’s primary responsibility since increasing numbers of operators are attracted to the economically mature Belgium market.
Gambling Licences in Belgium
Laws on online gambling have a habit of flip-flopping regularly in western countries and often run contrary to the freedoms and regulations as provided by the European Union. As of 2011, the commission will only grant online gambling licences to companies holding an offline licence. Currently, the BCG grants gambling licences for online casinos, arcade slots, bingo machines and bets. Licences are valid for 15 years and are economical compared to the licence fees charged in other jurisdictions. Still, there is a relatively high tax rate imposed on gambling operators within the country. Ultimately, this limits a higher number of international operators from entering the market.
Player Protections offered by BGC licences online casinos
Licenced Online casinos in Belgium offer robust player protection compared to many other jurisdictions worldwide. Player spending limits for Belgium players are included within their policies to limit account top-up limits to EUR 500 per week. Gaming establishments operating illegal activities face prison sentences along with heavy fines. These penalties can be substantially higher if an infringement relates to a person under the age of 18. The BCG regularly publishes blacklisted casinos for additional player protection.
Are BCG Casinos safe?
BCG licensed casinos are very safe and secure, which should provide peace of mind for every player looking for a trustworthy place to play casino games online. As mentioned, only gambling operators with a land-based gambling licence can operate online in Belgium. High barriers to entry deter shady foreign operators from entering the Belgium gambling market. Consequently, standards are very high, and operators tend to be very experienced and professional.
Benefits of BGC Casinos
If you are looking for a safe place to play online casino games, BGC licenced casinos are an excellent option. Operators are strictly regulated, games are proven to be fair, and regulators enforce high player protection policies.
Give Belgium Gaming Commission casinos a go today and benefit from secure and reliable online casino games from trusted and experienced operators.