How the Gaming Commission Ensures Safe Betting for the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Betting is becoming increasingly popular in Belgium. Online alone, there are almost 500,000 active player accounts on licensed betting websites.

86% of the GGR (Gross Gaming Revenue) from betting comes from sports betting, three-quarters of which relates to football.

Activity rises sharply during every major football event. During Euro 2024, 109,029 player accounts were created and 31,481 new players registered.

Statements by the Gaming Commission

In view of this growing interest and with the 2026 FIFA World Cup in mind, the Chair of the Gaming Commission, Magali Clavie, wishes to remind everyone of the following:

“Sports betting can be fun and relaxing, but it also carries real risks, both financial and personal. That is why it must always be practised responsibly. Our priority remains the protection of players. In the run-up to the World Cup, we wish to convey a three-fold message, so that betting remains purely recreational and gambling does not become problematic behaviour.”

Rule No. 1: Only bet on legal Belgian websites

Belgium has 25 licensed sports betting websites that are monitored and regulated by the Gaming Commission. These websites are required to implement strict measures to protect players. A list of these websites can be found on the Gaming Commission’s website.

All other websites are illegal in Belgium. Although they may seem attractive, playing on such sites carries significant risks:

•    being unable to collect winnings;
•    fraudulent use of personal data;
•    lack of player protection;
•    the risk of criminal prosecution.

Rule No. 2: Only bet what you can afford to lose

Betting sometimes means winning … but often losing too.

The temptation to play again to recoup losses can lead to a dangerous downward spiral.

It is essential to bet only amounts that you can easily afford to lose. It is also important to realise that even excellent knowledge of football offers no guarantee of a win. After all, chance and surprises play a major role, both in football and in sports betting.

Rule No. 3: Take a break and seek help if necessary

Certain signs may indicate that gambling is becoming problematic:

•    spending more money than originally planned;
•    feeling guilty about your gambling behaviour;
•    receiving comments from family or friends;
•    prioritising betting over other activities.

In such situations, stopping gambling behaviour, even if only temporarily, and seeking support are often necessary.

Legal gambling operators offer the option to temporarily self-exclude from their platforms. This is a useful first step.

The Gaming Commission also offers EPIS, an effective self-exclusion system that blocks access to gambling throughout Belgium with just a few clicks, including:

•    gambling and betting websites;
•    betting shops;
•    betting terminals in newsagents.

Registration is simple and the exclusion takes effect immediately.

Useful data

The website www.stopoptijd.be, an initiative of the Gaming Commission, brings together all useful information on:

•    legal gambling and betting sites;
•    responsible gambling;
•    the risks of illegal websites;
•    exclusion options;
•    the available help and support services.