In a groundbreaking move, the Belgian government has announced that it will be implementing a new age limit of 21 for all forms of gambling across the country. This decision, which will come into effect in January 2022, has been hailed as a significant step towards protecting vulnerable individuals from the potential harms of gambling.
The decision to raise the age limit from 18 to 21 was made after extensive research and discussions with various stakeholders in the gambling industry. The Belgian Gaming Commission, the regulatory body responsible for overseeing the gambling sector in the country, has been at the forefront of this initiative and has played a key role in ensuring that the new age limit is implemented effectively.
According to the Minister of Justice, Vincent Van Quickenborne, the decision to raise the age limit was made in response to growing concerns about the impact of gambling on young people. “We have seen a sharp rise in the number of young people experiencing gambling-related harms, and it is our responsibility to take action to address this issue,” he stated.
The new age limit will apply to all forms of gambling in Belgium, including land-based casinos, online gambling sites, and sports betting. It will also apply to the sale of scratch cards and other lottery products. Additionally, the government has announced that it will be introducing stricter age verification measures to ensure that only individuals aged 21 and above are able to access gambling services.
The decision to raise the age limit has been met with mixed reactions from stakeholders in the gambling industry. While some have welcomed the move as a positive step towards protecting young people from the dangers of gambling, others have expressed concerns about the potential impact on the industry as a whole.
Despite these concerns, the Belgian government remains committed to its decision and believes that it is necessary to take action to safeguard the well-being of young people. The new age limit will be closely monitored and evaluated to assess its impact on the gambling sector and to determine whether any further measures are needed to promote responsible gambling practices.
Overall, the decision to raise the age limit to 21 for all forms of gambling in Belgium is a bold and significant move that highlights the government’s commitment to protecting vulnerable individuals from the potential harms of gambling. It is hoped that this decision will pave the way for other countries to follow suit and implement similar measures to ensure the safety and well-being of all individuals involved in the gambling sector.
