Belgium Warns of Summer Gambling Licence Delays as Holiday Season Slows Processing

According to the regulator, staff vacations during July and August are likely to slow response times, prompting companies to submit all required documentation as early as possible to avoid unnecessary delays.

To keep applications moving, the Commission plans to hold smaller and more frequent meetings to fast-track straightforward cases that include complete paperwork.

The Belgian Gaming Commission, established in 1999, oversees gambling regulation, licensing and player protection in the country. Any operator wishing to launch online gambling services in Belgium must first secure approval from the regulator.

Beyond issuing licences, the Commission is responsible for enforcing compliance and can impose sanctions ranging from warnings and administrative fines to licence suspensions or revocations.

The update comes shortly after the regulator was transferred from the authority of the Ministry of Justice to the Federal Public Service (FPS) Economy, where it now falls under the supervision of the Minister of Economy.

The shift reflects a broader policy approach that increasingly views gambling as a legitimate economic sector rather than primarily a matter of criminal enforcement. The move also aligns with the government's commitment to tackle illegal gambling while strengthening player protection measures.