More Online Gambling Operators Banned in Belgium


More Online Gambling Operators Banned in Belgium

On 1 January 2011 the amended Belgian gambling legislation became law and is being enforced. One of the major modifications is that this legislation contains an explicit regulation for online games of chance and wagers. This modification has lead to the government requiring Internet Service providers to block online gambling web sites that fail to comply with Belgium’s program.

The fine for not complying with the order from Belgium’s Gambling Commission is a massive €100,000 enough of a deterrent to compel even the largest operators to apply for a license to operate in the jurisdiction. Obtaining an online license requires a mandatory physical connection to the Belgian territory so only those operators licensed to operate on land in Belgium qualify.

The Commission has just added again to the list of prohibited gambling web sites bring the total number of illegal sites to sixty nine. The additional five new black listed domains include Redbet, PKR, PKRCasino, GoldenCherry and KlaverCasino.

While the Gambling Commission is banning some operators they are also licensing others with the granting of online gambling license to WMS JackpotParty which is launching under the JackpotParty.be domain name clearly referring to the location in the domain identification. This operator is partnered with land casino operator Groupe Partouche, the largest terrestrial casino operator in Belgium and France. Online punters will now have access to WMS Industries classic slot game suite.
After the memorable detainment of Bwin.party digital entertainment’s co-chief executive and the subsequent questioning by police as to the illegality of Bwin’s operations in Belgium, Bwin.party has obtained a license to operate in the jurisdiction legally.
The laws of Belgium are under scrutiny from the European Commission with some question as to whether their restrictions violate E.U. laws that protect member states from monopolies and unfair rules regarding free e-commerce among member nations. Various organizations have called on the E.C. to fine Belgium for its non compliant laws regarding internet wagering.

 

Source: Online-Casino.com