The Flemish government is partnering with VAD, an organization that represents over 70 substance and addiction groups, to advocate for an increase in the minimum gambling age.
In a memorandum released this week, VAD outlines its priorities for policies concerning various addictive substances and behaviors, including alcohol, psychoactive medications, video games, and illegal drugs.
The memorandum addresses both gambling and alcohol and calls for three cost-effective legislative measures to restrict access: price increases, advertising bans, and limiting availability.
VAD recommends raising the minimum age for gambling to 21 and for purchasing alcohol to 18 as part of these measures.
As it stands, Belgians must be 21 years old to gamble in casinos and slot machines, whether online or in retail locations.
However, the minimum age for placing online or retail bets is currently 18. VAD believes that these changes could serve as safeguards for individuals in vulnerable situations, protecting them from the potential harms of gambling and excessive alcohol consumption.
This initiative is part of ongoing efforts to address issues within Belgium’s gambling industry.
In the previous year, the Belgian Association of Gaming Operators (BAGO), which represents six major operators responsible for 70% of the country’s gambling sector, introduced a self-imposed duty of care mandate.
BAGO’s member companies include Ardent Group, Betfirst, Golden Palace, Kindred, Napoléon Sports & Casinos, and Starcasino.
Under the duty of care mandate, these operators committed to implementing measures aimed at monitoring and addressing problem gambling within their customer base.
These measures encompass the establishment of a uniform detection system, improved player communication, and comprehensive staff training.
The duty of care initiative was developed in response to BAGO’s claims that the political sector in Belgium had unfairly stigmatized the gambling market.
In an interview with L’Echo, Emmanuel Mewissen, vice-president of BAGO, expressed concerns about attempts to discredit the industry, leading to the voluntary implementation of these responsible gaming measures.
In summary, VAD’s call for raising the minimum gambling and alcohol purchasing ages, along with other preventive measures, reflects a growing awareness and commitment to addressing addiction-related concerns in Belgium’s gaming and alcohol sectors, while BAGO’s self-imposed duty of care represents a proactive industry response to problem gambling.