Above all, the new law tackled the thorny issue of internet gaming and decided that only those with existing Belgian land-based gaming operations could apply for an online gaming licence. Understandably, this move was not welcomed by some of the more established online gaming companies such as Unibet, that are well established in other markets. They are currently pursuing the case in the European Courts citing the freedom of free movement directive.  The EC has until the end of June to consider accepting the proposals.

Operators are also faced with the news that all new gaming machines in Belgian bars and cafes must be equipped with player identification technology by the beginning of next year.

Another issue facing the Belgian gaming industry at the moment is the trend for poker. In the face of growing popularity for the card game, the government is keen to avoid the spread of illegal poker games. It has been suggested that the game of poker be permitted in class I and II gaming establishments (casinos and gaming arcades).

In this case, the games would have to meet certain requirements such as a maximum hourly loss but the attraction for the player is that he or she is certain of receiving any winnings. This new law opens up the possibility for arcades and casinos to run interactive games of poker.

A new type of game was approved by the Gaming Board for bars and restaurants, last year. It is a very low stake and low win machine with a maximum stake of 20 Euro cents and a maximum jackpot of six Euros ten cents. Only one machine of this type can be sited within each bar – there are 15,000 bars in Belgium, so this is the limit to the size of the market.

There is a choice for the machine operator – if the machine pays out a cash prize (however small) then the tax payable for the year is Euros 3,570. The alternative is to pay out a ticket from the machine to the same value, which can be redeemed at the bar for food or drinks. If the operator goes down this route, then the tax payable for the year is just Euros 150.

 Operators are still struggling with their online machine communication systems that link their games of chance to the Gaming Board. In addition, there is still a long waiting list for B licences (gaming arcades). The law limits the number of gaming arcades in the country to 180 and this limit was reached at the end of 2004. Since then, only one licence has become free.

The frustration of those wanting to open locations is compounded by the fact that many of the 180 authorised arcades are not actually open for business, because they are located in areas that are not interesting commercially.    

Data (according to the Belgian trade association the UBA)

In 2008, Metrology has approved several new games/kits that can be operated in the different types of gaming establishments. 

The total number of games/kits approved for operation in :

• Casinos: 167 (137 in 2007)
• Gaming Arcades: 98 (89 in 2007)
• Pubs: 79 (66 in 2007)

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