Belgium to Allow Online Gambling Operators in 2011

The European nation of Belgium will soon be permitting online gambling operators on their soil and granting licenses. The new amendments, termed the New Belgian Gaming Legislation, were published last month and expected to go into effect next year.

And while operating in the beautiful country of Belgium, home of the European Union, may at first seem like a no-brainer, the issue could get complicated.

From GambingZion.com:

Once the changes come into effect, a group wishing to offer internet gambling services based out of Belgium will first be required to obtain a license for land-based gambling in Belgium. Furthermore, the computer servers that power the gambling site will have to be located on Belgian soil. This means that foreign operators will be required to become licensed operators of land-based gambling establishments in Belgium before they can offer their services online. 

These requirements may seem reasonable, but it may prove difficult for foreign operators to obtain a license to offer internet gambling in Belgium. This is because a Royal Decree has placed a limit on the number of licenses available. Preference for these licenses will obviously be given to Belgian gambling groups. 

Jagajeet Chiba, Gambling911.com