Belgium Bans Four More Online Gambling Sites

The Belgian Gaming Commission has expanded its attack on foreign-operated online casinos, blacklisting another four gambling sites in its latest update. The European nation has now banned a total of 78 online gambling sites.

Four More Blacklisted

Among the gambling sites blacklisted in the latest update were Intercasino, an online casino brand belonging to software developer Amaya Gaming, and Betsafe, a casino brand belonging to leading Scandinavian developer Betsson. Belgian-focused Casino-Belgie, licensed in the Netherlands Antilles, was also blacklisted.

Intercasino and Betsafe are two of the best-known site to be blacklisted by Belgium since the government began publishing its list. These two providers of online casino and other gambling services are licensed by the Malta Lotteries and Gaming Authority and considered to be among the most secure and reputable gambling sites in the field.

Belgium on the Attack

Under Belgium's online gambling regulations, only land-based casino companies with existing licenses in the country can apply for online gambling licenses. Any online gambling operator that accepts Belgian customers without a license from the Belgian Gaming Commission risks fines of up to €100,000.

Some companies have found ways around these restrictive regulations, with leading gambling firms such as Bwin party forming partnership deals with smaller land-based companies in Belgium. Through their partners, they are then able to offer Belgian residents their online services.

The European Commission and European Gaming and Betting Association have both been long-time critics of Belgium's regulations since they were amended in 2008. These bodies say Belgium is contravening EC treaties on freedom of operation across European borders.