The Belgian National Lottery has halted all athletic wagering promotions during the global football competition.
To safeguard consumers from the detrimental consequences of gambling, the Belgian National Lottery has ceased all forms of athletic wagering publicity during the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
The Belgian National Lottery has stopped athletic wagering promotions during the World Cup.
Following discussions with Belgian Finance Minister Vincent Van Peteghem, the lottery consented to suspend advertising on television, radio, and printed materials throughout the tournament, which extends from November 20 to December 18.
As the head of the lottery, Van Peteghem emphasized that consumers are more inclined to participate in gambling during national football team matches like the World Cup. He cited a commission study on the 2018 World Cup, which revealed that half of newly registered users were engaging in gambling for the first time.
Van Peteghem added that he and the lottery decided to suspend athletic wagering advertising in an attempt to lessen the risk of gambling-related harms, such as dependency, as advertising could entice more new participants to gambling.
“The National Lottery is taking a leading role in safeguarding players and combating gambling addiction,” Van Peteghem stated. “At the football World Cup, sports and the fan experience must be the central focus.”
Advertisements for sports wagering should not be permitted on television, radio, and in printed publications. The national lottery has established a positive precedent by refraining from promoting its sports betting activities on these platforms.
Last month, Belgium implemented the most recent responsible gaming regulations, which take the form of a new weekly spending cap of €200. This decision was made in response to the recent surge in gambling addiction.
In July, Justice Minister Vincent Van Quickenborne announced the royal decree, which sets a lower spending limit.
Previously, a decree issued in April 2020 restricted net deposits to €500 per week.
The limit will continue to be applied on a per-website basis, as efforts to introduce a “universal” limit (applicable to all operators) were unsuccessful.
Gamblers can request an increase in their spending limit, but only if they are not listed as defaulters in the National Bank’s Central Individual Credit Register.
In May, the government also announced plans to prohibit all forms of gambling advertising. The ban will apply to all advertising of games of chance, including all online and physical facilities legally offered in Belgium, with the exception of the national lottery.
Previously, in March, the Belgian government had imposed new restrictions on stakes, betting durations, and advertising in the country’s newspapers, as part of a series of new amendments.
Pertehem stated that he will shortly present a policy document to the legislature concerning the national lottery. This document will encompass further specifics on accountable gaming and operational pledges.
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