Belgium to Ban Most Forms of Gambling Advertising as of July 1
Belgium to ban most forms of gambling advertising as of July 1, to address rising concerns over problem gambling.
Belgium is set to ban most forms of gambling advertising from July 1, with further prohibitions on ads in stadiums and sports sponsorships to follow.
Justice Minister Vincent Van Quickenborne expressed concern over the impact of excessive gambling advertising, stating that it contributes to gambling addiction and debt.
The ban will apply to television, radio, cinemas, magazines, newspapers, public spaces, and online advertising on websites and social media.
From January 1, 2025, advertising in stadiums will be banned, and from January 1, 2028, gambling companies will no longer be able to sponsor professional sports clubs.
The government argued that the ban is based on scientific research and is aimed at combating the country's gambling addiction problem, which affects over 100,000 active gamblers in Belgium.