As of yesterday, 1 September, Belgium has for all forms of gambling to 21 years. The change, which was enacted through the passed on 18 February, 2024, standardises the minimum age across various forms of gambling activities, including online and physical venues.
The new regulation impacts all gambling establishments and activities regulated under Belgium’s gambling laws. Previously, the minimum age varied depending on the type of gambling: Belgians were not able to gamble in 바카라s and with slot machines C both online and retail C until the age of 21. However, the minimum age to place online or retail bets was 18.
VAD, the Flemish centre of expertise for alcohol, illegal drugs, psychoactive medication, gambling, and gaming, had been advocating for this new regulation, declaring that this change in the legislation was a “cost-effective” way to curb addiction among the youth.
Comparing global gambling age requirements
This legislative update brings Belgium in line with several other countries that have strict age requirements for gambling. For example, in the United States, the minimum age for most gambling activities is 21, though some states allow gambling at 18 for specific types of activities, such as lottery and horse racing. Similarly, in Singapore, the legal gambling age is set at 21 for 바카라 entry, while Australia mandates a minimum age of 18 for gambling.
Compared to neighbouring countries, Belgium’s new regulations are more stringent. In France, for instance, the legal age for most gambling activities remains at 18, as it does in Germany, where regulations differ slightly between federal states. However, Maltese citizens have to wait until their 25th birthday to be allowed entry into 바카라s.
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