CalvinAyre.com says – Belgians enjoy gambling but only has a population of 10 million; there are more lucrative markets companies can focus their efforts but if you want to do business in Belgium, you need a Belgian licence.
Located across the channel from the UK, Belgium’s gaming industry couldn’t be any more different. The country’s gaming industry regulator, the Belgian Gaming Commission (BGC), rewrote its Gaming Act in January 2011 to cover online gaming. The act stipulates that you must have a land-based license or be in partnership with a land-based company to offer online services.
The European Commission initially expressed concern over the country’s plan but they have since become more enamored to the plans and they have a blacklist for any companies found to operating under a domain that isn’t a .BE. Some believe it could eventually grow to 100 sites. Those operating in Belgium without permission face heavy fines of up to €25,000. If they continue to offer services these could escalate to as much as €100,000.
Type of Company Entity Available for iGaming Firms:
Type of company needed to operate – Corporation, private company, partnership, LTD etc.
Corporation Tax Rate:
33.99%
Additional Gaming Tax Rate:
15%
Minimum Share Capital for an iGaming Company:
No.
Licence Fee:
Three licences available as follows:
NINE A+ licences (for casinos to operate online) Licence deposit of €250,000
180 B+ licences (for gaming arcades) Licence deposit of €75,000
34 F1+ licences (for wagers)
Licence Duration:
No expiry
Do Local Banks Process Online Gaming Transactions:
Yes
Software Testing Requirements:
Any site must be presented to the Gaming Commission’s Working Group for inspection
Reporting Requirements to the iGaming Regulators and/or Financial Regulator:
Financial information must be submitted upon applications regardless of which licence you’re applying for
Anti-Money Laundering Policy for iGaming Firms:
Nationally they have tackled money laundering with Anti-Money Laundering obligations for a number of years.
Restrictions on Jurisdictions from which you can take Wagers:
Exclusively Belgian customers via a .be domain
Contact Details of Government Department or Regulator:
Contact Person:
Address: Cantersteen, 47
1000 Bruxelles
Phone Number: +32 2 504 00 40
Website: http://www.gamingcommission.fgov.be
Email: [email protected]
