Brussels, Belgium, 31 August (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Belgium’s Council of State has suspended the Brussels casino concession awarded to ECK NV, the company behind Napoleon Games, putting a planned 15-year agreement valued at €750 million on hold.
The administrative court suspended the City of Brussels’ decision to award operation of the capital’s casino to ECK. Napoleon Games had been due to replace current operator Viage from 1 January 2027.
Why did the Council of State suspend the casino deal?
The Council of State identified shortcomings in the assessment and justification of competing bids.
According to Belgian broadcaster BX1, citing Belga, the court found that the reasoning did not sufficiently establish whether elements required under the tender specifications had been properly considered.
The court also identified an apparent inaccuracy in the assessment of certain partnerships cited by ECK and raised concerns over compliance with European Union rules covering foreign subsidies that could distort the internal market.
The ruling follows a challenge by Viage, which currently operates Grand Casino Brussels and finished behind Napoleon Games in the tender process.
Earlier in August, the Council of State’s auditor recommended suspending the award after examining concerns about whether the City had adequately justified its decision.
The Brussels casino concession was estimated by the City’s Property Management and Economic Affairs department at €750 million excluding VAT over 15 years. The tender envisaged the new concession beginning on 1 January 2027.
What does the suspension mean for Napoleon Games and Viage?
The ruling disrupts the planned transfer of one of Belgium’s major gambling venues. The City had selected ECK from six offers, while Viage sought to continue operating the casino it has managed since 2010.
The casino covers approximately 14,300 square metres on Boulevard Anspach in central Brussels and is one of Belgium’s establishments holding a Class I gambling licence.
Viage has previously said the venue receives more than 310,000 visitors annually.
When the concession was originally awarded, the City welcomed the opportunity to continue developing an establishment that contributes to Brussels’ tourism, economy and events sector.
The suspension means Napoleon Games cannot proceed with the concession on the basis of the award that has now been challenged.
What happens next after the €750m concession suspension?
The City of Brussels will have to assess the Council of State’s findings and determine what steps are required before the procurement process can move forward.
The suspension does not itself award the casino concession to Viage or another bidder.
It instead prevents the previous award from proceeding while the legal and administrative consequences of the ruling are addressed.
That creates uncertainty around the planned 1 January 2027 change of operator. Viage remains the current operator while the authorities consider their response.
The next decisions by the City will be closely watched because of the substantial financial value of the Brussels casino concession and the importance of the venue to central Brussels’ leisure and tourism economy.
