Significant Increase in GGR in 2023, according to Belgian Gambling Commission Financial Report

In compliance with Article 16 of the Gambling, Betting, Gambling Establishments and Player Protection Act of 7 May 1999, the Belgian Gambling Commission (KSC) has submitted its financial report for the year 2023. This report, approved by the KSC on 22 July 2024, provides a detailed analysis of the financial performance of the gambling sector, both on land-based and online platforms.

The report reveals that the Belgian gambling sector has seen a significant increase in its GGR, reaching over €1.7 billion in 2023, representing a growth of 16.74% compared to the previous year. This growth is mainly driven by an 18.03% increase in the GGR of online gaming, which for the fourth consecutive year has outperformed land-based gaming.

Market Distribution:
GGR from gambling is split into 55.48% for online gaming and 44.52% for offline gaming. The distribution of offline GGR shows that more than a third comes from the operation of bingo machines and low-stakes games in cafés (35.75%), followed by arcades (24.40%), betting (21.40%) and casinos (18.46%).

Casino Performance:
In 2023, casinos in Belgium generated a total GGR of almost €600 million, with a growth of 18.74% compared to the previous year. Although online casinos continue to dominate with 76.48% of total GGR, land-based casinos also showed a significant increase in their revenue.

Trends and Outlook
The report highlights that the only notable decrease in GGR was recorded for bets placed at newsstands, attributed to the implementation of stricter regulations in 2022. However, other recent measures, such as the imposition of an online deposit limit and the introduction of the EPIS system for bookmakers, have not yet shown a significant impact on the 2023 data.

To improve the accuracy and speed of data analysis, the KSC plans to collect financial information on a quarterly basis in the future. This measure will allow for closer monitoring and a faster response to emerging trends in the gambling sector.

Conclusion:
The 2023 financial report underlines the continued growth and adaptation of the gambling sector in Belgium, with a marked preference for online gaming. The KSC continues to work closely with the sector to ensure transparency and compliance with regulations, promoting a safe and responsible gambling environment for all participants.

By Magali Clavie, President, Steve Mees, Director