Online poker operates in a complex legal landscape in Belgium under the Federal Act of 7 May 1999 on games of chance. While the Gaming Act governs land-based and online games of chance including poker, the current regulatory framework does not specifically provide clear licensing pathways for standalone online poker operators (1). The Belgian Gaming Commission oversees all gambling activities and requires proper licensing for any operator wishing to offer gambling services within the country.
The Belgian licensing system is considered one of the strictest in Europe, with the Gaming Commission systematically taking offline foreign providers that do not hold valid Belgian licenses. Online gambling has been regulated since 2011, but most poker activities require operators to hold land-based gambling licenses first (2). The minimum age for participating in all games of chance is 21 years, and the system operates under a strict channeling policy designed to protect players.
"The Gaming Commission is the administrative authority that monitors compliance with the Gaming Act and its implementing decrees. It can carry out inspections in gaming establishments and on IT systems, conduct investigations."
The current consensus among legal experts is that online poker exists in a regulatory gray area in Belgium. While some forms of online gambling are permitted under proper licensing, dedicated online poker platforms face significant regulatory hurdles. The Gaming Commission has taken enforcement action against illegal poker tournaments and maintains strict oversight of all gambling activities. Players seeking poker games often turn to foreign sites, though this carries legal risks under Belgium's comprehensive gambling legislation.
Source:
https://iclg.com/practice-areas/gambling-laws-and-regulations/belgium
https://gamingcommission.be/en/homepage
Last updated: 27-09-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
