The gaming industry in Belgium was somewhat of a free-wheeling environment, according to legal authority Roland Loschke. He contends that Belgium will not be emulating Italy’s strategy of implementing a comprehensive prohibition on gaming promotions. Loschke, who oversees gambling regulations for the Belgian National Lottery, stated that recent legislation is merely about gaining control of the sector.
A new Royal Decree, revealed in November and taking effect on the first of June, will establish restrictions on aspects such as where gaming advertisements can be displayed – for instance, internet casinos will only be permitted to advertise on their own web portals.
However, Loschke perceives a significant distinction between the Royal Decree and Italy’s Dignity Decree, which he believes was more rooted in ideology than pragmatic solutions. He views the Belgian method as a means to guide the industry in a positive direction.
“The underlying principle here was evident from the outset,” he elaborated. “We’re not pursuing the Italian path, which was essentially a political maneuver by a faction opposed to gambling and determined to eradicate it by any means necessary.”
“Outlawing something doesn’t work – we’ve witnessed this with narcotics, spirits, cigarettes… It’s truly about taking hold of the industry and regulating it appropriately. Previously, we were akin to a vessel without a steering mechanism.”
Loschke offered these remarks while contributing a legal piece for the March/April issue of Gambling Insider magazine.
