Belgium intensifies crackdown on illegal gambling websites and networks

(AsiaGameHub) –   Belgium has intensified its efforts to combat illegal gambling websites by implementing a comprehensive enforcement strategy that targets both the operators and the digital infrastructure that supports them.

The new framework empowers Belgium’s Federal Public Service (FPS) Economy to mandate various intermediary services to block or sever connections with unlicensed gambling platforms. These include internet service providers, content delivery networks, search engines, social media companies, domain registrars, and DNS providers.

The system exerts influence at multiple levels: internet providers are required to restrict access to blacklisted gambling sites; companies like Cloudflare may be compelled to halt their services to such sites; search engines can be directed to remove links to illegal operators; and platforms such as Meta must stop gambling advertisements from being displayed.

Additionally, domain registrars may suspend or cancel domains linked to illegal gambling, while DNS providers are tasked with preventing users from circumventing restrictions via alternative services.

Intermediaries have five working days to comply once they receive notification. Non-compliance could lead to fines of up to €500,000 per infraction.

Meanwhile, the Belgian Gaming Commission remains responsible for overseeing the regulated market, and the Business Court of Brussels now holds expanded authority to issue blocking orders against both gambling operators and the entities providing support to their operations.

Paul Laurent from the Belgian Anti-Online Piracy & Illegal Gambling Office stated that dozens of gambling websites have already been blocked under this enhanced system.