Brussels (Brussels Morning) – A crackdown on identity checks of gamblers has resulted in the shutting of nine betting shops. During examinations, authorities shut down 63 machines and seized €40,000.
Since December 2023, betting shops have been instructed to check clients’ identities, ensuring they are not on a blacklist of individuals banned from gambling – a process understood as ‘Epis control’. A series of checks undertaken by the Belgian Gaming Commission (BGC) has led to nine closures.
What Triggers the Closure of Belgian Betting Establishments?
The BGC physically examined about 50 establishments out of the existing 437 betting marts in Belgium in anticipation of an active summer sports season involving both the UEFA European Football Championship and the Olympic Games. In nine shops, no Epis rules were being carried out. A total of 63 machines were closed and €40,000 was confiscated. In five other instances, Epis controls were not being performed as frequently as needed, resulting in official notices being filed. In addition, the BGC will follow up with approximately 50 establishments where breaches were identified.
Why Are Authorities Concerned About Gambling Addiction in Belgium?
Moreover, Gambling addictions have burst in Belgium in recent years in part due to changing legislation. Online gambling was legalised in 2010 and gambling promotion was deregulated in 2021. In the same year, the number of individuals gambling increased from 800,000 to 2.1 million.
How Does ‘Epis Control’ Impact Belgian Betting Shops?”
Failure to enforce Epis controls constitutes a criminal offence. The majority of cases will end up in the indicators of the BGC, which has the power to charge fines ranging from €200 to €200,000. The regulator can also charge administrative punishments such as license withdrawal or suspension.
Epis control was instructed in a bid to stymie the destructive social consequences of addiction. There are nearly 180,000 people currently on the list: 52,036 at their initiative, 971 at the request of a relative, 64,490 due to debt payment and 60,000 due to their profession. According to the BGC, Epis control intercepted 3,193 visits to betting agencies between January and March 2024. Online, about 25,000 connections are blocked each month.
How Does the Distribution of Gambling Licenses Vary Across Belgium?
Research instructed by data analyst Aurore Paligot revealed that the 6,600 gambling licenses granted by the Gambling Commission are unevenly distributed across Brussels and the rest of the country.
How Does Socioeconomic Status Affect Access to Gambling Venues in Belgium?”
In communities where the average pay is below €17,000, there are 10.5 licences per 10,000 residents. This figure decreases to 3.3 in areas where the average income surpasses €23,000.
In Saint-Josse, a densely inhabited commune where the average annual income is just over €11,000 compared to a nationwide average of €20,300, there is one casino, six betting mechanisms, ten bookmakers and 40 cafés that deliver low-stakes betting games and bingo in an area of just 1.16 km2.
The mayor of Saint-Josse Emir Kir (PS) considers regional disparities are intentional. “It is clear that the most impoverished districts and municipalities are being targeted,” he expressed. “But there are also other criteria that come into play, such as population density or flow. Saint-Josse is right in the heart of Brussels. There are many workers and the municipality is a busy place. For operators, these are prime locations.”
