Key Highlights
- Belgium’s gambling gross gaming revenue decreased 4.86% to €1.61 billion in 2024, marking the first annual contraction since 2020
- Land-based operations suffered most significantly with a 7.59% decline, while digital platforms decreased 2.7%
- Traditional casino operations bucked the downward trend, increasing 7.32% to reach €638.45 million
- New regulations including an elevated minimum gambling age of 21, promotional restrictions, and advertising limitations contributed substantially to the revenue drop
- Authorities expressed uncertainty about whether tighter controls have inadvertently driven bettors to unlicensed platforms
For the first time since the coronavirus pandemic began, Belgium’s licensed gambling sector experienced a contraction in 2024. According to recently published figures from Belgium’s gaming regulator, total gross gaming revenue among authorized operators decreased 4.86% compared to the previous year, reaching €1.61 billion.
This downturn follows multiple years of robust expansion. Digital gaming revenue had climbed approximately 60% from 2020 through 2023, including an 18% increase during 2023 alone.
This expansion came to a halt in 2024. Digital gaming revenue, which represents 57.1% of the total marketplace, fell 2.7% to €919.10 million.
Physical gambling venues experienced more severe challenges. Brick-and-mortar gambling revenue contracted 7.59% to €690.41 million.
Regulators identified a succession of regulatory interventions implemented beginning in 2023 as the primary cause of the revenue decline.
New Regulations Transform Industry Landscape
One of the most significant modifications was a cumulative-platform prohibition. Operators are now prevented from hosting products across multiple licence categories on a single website. This regulation particularly impacted arcade licence operators.
Certain operators transferred their products to casino or wagering platforms as an alternative. This migration redistributed revenue across licence classifications without expanding the total market size.
Belgium additionally increased its minimum gambling age requirement from 18 to 21 years. Promotional offers were prohibited entirely. Marketing regulations were strengthened. Compulsory identification and Epis verification procedures were implemented.
Marketing limitations have attracted recent scrutiny. Belgian authorities launched inquiries into promotional campaigns featuring professional soccer player Eden Hazard.
The arcade division experienced an 11.95% GGR reduction to €384.75 million. Digital arcade operations plummeted 23.8%, although physical arcade revenue increased 4.24%.
Low-stakes gambling sustained an even more dramatic decline. Revenue in this segment dropped 21.71% to €222 million. Café bingo operations fell 24.7%.
Sports wagering GGR decreased 6.59% to €364.3 million in aggregate. Physical betting declined 13.58%, while digital betting experienced a more moderate 2.11% reduction.
Traditional Casinos Demonstrate Growth
The casino division represented the sole area demonstrating clear expansion. Casino GGR increased 7.32% to €638.45 million. Digital casino operations comprised approximately three-quarters of this figure.
Physical casino revenue grew 3.7%. Digital casino revenue advanced 8.7%.
Sports betting GGR within casino establishments increased 4%. However, horse racing wagers declined 32.8%, while alternative betting categories dropped 44.7%.
Physical betting establishments faced substantial difficulties. Betting shop licences decreased from 535 to 408 over a two-year period, contributing to a 17.9% reduction in betting shop GGR.
The regulatory body acknowledged that while new regulations were crafted to enhance responsible gambling practices, they have decelerated market expansion. Officials also stated uncertainty remains regarding whether these measures have genuinely enhanced player safeguards.
Concerns exist that certain players may have migrated to unauthorized platforms. The regulator emphasized the necessity for immediate research to establish whether this migration is occurring.
Regulators noted that 2024 statistics experienced postponements due to modifications in financial documentation procedures and insufficient staffing within the financial oversight division. Market statistics for 2025 are anticipated to be published according to schedule.
