The Belgian National Lottery (BNL) has halted all forms of sports betting advertising during the 2022 Fifa World Cup, which began last Sunday, in a bid to protect consumers who suffer from problem gambling and to prevent gambling-related harm.

The decision was taken in consultation with Belgium’s Minister for Finance Vincent Van Peteghem and sees the BNL halt all sports betting advertising on television, radio and in the written press for the duration of the tournament, which runs until 18th December.

The finance minister is also responsible for the Lottery and remarked that consumers are more likely to place bets during a national football team competition such as the highly popular World Cup games. He backed up his comments with a study by the Commission on the 2018 World Cup, where it was noted that half of new registrations were first time gamblers.

“The National Lottery is playing a pioneering role in the protection of players and the fight against gambling addiction…At a football world championship, the sport and the supporter experience must be central,” said Mr Van Peteghem.

“Sports betting advertising should have no place in broadcasts or reports via television, radio and written press. The National Lottery is already setting a good example by not advertising its sports betting on these channels.”

Belgium has been targeting responsible gambling measures in recent months. In October, it introduced a new €200 weekly loss limit.

Featured Image:

Brussels, Belgium

Continue Reading

Pariplay adds Dirk Camilleri as VP of product as it continues executive hiring spree

27 March 2023
by iGamingCapital.mt

Dirk will be responsible for continuing with the delivery of Pariplay’s aggregation platform rollout in key regulated markets worldwide

Push Gaming debuts in Italy

24 March 2023
by iGamingCapital.mt

Content will be delivered via a direct integration

Brazilian esports organisation FURIA announces new base in Malta

21 March 2023
by Helena Grech

Furia’s new Mediterranean home is expected to be fully functional by summer

Pariplay expands into Ontario through Caesers Sportsbook & Casino partnership

21 March 2023
by iGamingCapital.mt

Wizard Games content first to go live in Canadian province via Fusion platform

See more