The History of Casinos in Belgium: From Spa to Online Casinos

Key takeaway: while Belgium was historically a pioneer in the casino world with Spa as early as 1763, its modern approach is built above all on one fundamental principle: player protection. Since the 1999 Gambling Act, games of chance are neither encouraged nor promoted, but strictly regulated and channelled in order to limit the risks of addiction and financial harm. This model relies on strong regulation enforced by the Belgian Gaming Commission, on concrete tools such as the EPIS player exclusion system, and on strict legal obligations applying both to land-based casinos and to online casinos.

You may think that gambling is a relatively recent invention, but the origins of the casino are far richer than expected. By exploring the history of casinos in Belgium, we discover that the country played a pioneering role on the world stage long before the digital era. Let us take a journey through this remarkable evolution, from the first establishments in Spa to today’s protective legal framework.

1. The origins of casinos in Belgium: long before neon lights

2. A century of legal uncertainty: between prohibition and tolerance

3. 1999: the major reform that shaped the modern Belgian casino

4. The digital era and the contemporary challenges of Belgian casinos

The Origins of Casinos in Belgium

Long before shining under modern lights, the casino has its roots in Italy. The word casino comes from casina, meaning “small house”. In the 17th century, in regions such as Veneto, Lombardy and Tuscany, elegant gaming salons located on the outskirts of cities welcomed nobles and enthusiasts around social or money games. These early establishments laid the foundations for a structured and codified form of entertainment that later spread across Europe, from London to Aachen.

It was within this continuity that Belgium would write one of the most important chapters in the history of gambling.

Spa 1763: the birth of the first modern casino

The construction of La Redoute in Spa in 1763 marked a decisive turning point. This building is considered the oldest casino in the world still in operation. At the time, it was an essential meeting place for the European aristocracy.

What made it modern was its unprecedented combination of ballrooms, theatre and casino games. A defining page in casino history was being written there.

Spa’s famous nickname, the “Café of Europe”, perfectly illustrates its central importance and extraordinary international influence during that period.

Rapid success and the first attempts at regulation

The popularity of these establishments was immediate. Other spa towns quickly sought to replicate the Spa model in order to benefit from this enthusiasm.

Such success soon attracted the attention of the authorities. The first rules and taxes were introduced, marking the beginning of a long history of regulation.

Very early on, public authorities realised that the success of gambling venues raised sensitive social and economic issues. Growing popularity quickly led to questions of control, taxation and player protection, initiating a reflection that would span centuries. These first regulatory attempts already foreshadowed the philosophy later adopted by the Belgian legislator: it is better to strictly regulate an existing practice than to ignore it or allow it to develop unchecked.

A Century of Legal Uncertainty: Between Prohibition and Tolerance

1830: independence and a sudden ban

The Belgian Constitution of 1831 took a firm stance and outright banned gambling houses. This represented a radical and abrupt shift from the previous period, motivated primarily by concerns for public morality.

Unfortunately, this strict ban pushed gambling activities underground. The underlying issue was not resolved; it was merely hidden from view.

The irony is striking: a country that had pioneered casinos suddenly became one of the most restrictive in Europe.

The policy of tolerance: the case of coastal casinos

Faced with economic reality, the State adopted a form of “administrative tolerance”. The government began to turn a blind eye, as tourism appeal outweighed strict enforcement.

This tolerance mainly concerned popular seaside towns. Casinos became de facto exceptions, attracting tourists without a clear legal status, operating in an accepted grey area.

This open secret lasted for decades, creating significant legal uncertainty for operators who were unable to plan for the future with confidence.

The nine historical casinos before the 1999 law

On the eve of the 1999 reform, Belgium counted nine tolerated land-based casinos, operating within an uncertain legal framework. These establishments benefited from administrative tolerance without a stable legal basis.

The Gambling Act would later clarify this situation by officially recognising these nine casinos. It also paved the way, in the 2000s, for the creation of a tenth casino licence, allowing the Brussels-Capital Region to formally host its own casino within a fully legal and regulated framework.

The ten tolerated casinos were:

• Blankenberge

• Chaudfontaine

• Dinant

• Knokke-Heist

• Middelkerke

• Namur

• Ostend

• Spa

• Chaudfontaine

• Brussels

1999: The Major Reform That Shaped the Modern Belgian Casino

This untenable situation, combining prohibition and tolerance, could not continue indefinitely. The end of the 20th century therefore marked a decisive turning point.

Ending the chaos: the objectives of the Gambling Act

The Gambling Act of 7 May 1999 represented a major milestone in Belgian gambling history. Contrary to common belief, its primary objective was not to expand gambling opportunities, but to protect players.

The legislator aimed to combat illegal gambling, reduce addiction risks and establish strict control over the sector. The guiding principle was channelisation: directing players towards a legal, limited and supervised offer, rather than exposing them to unregulated practices.

To structure this new landscape, a central authority was created: the Belgian Gaming Commission, now the sole body responsible for regulating the market.

This philosophy of “channelisation” means guiding players towards a legal and controlled offer instead of allowing unchecked illegality.

The Belgian Gaming Commission: regulator of the sector

What is the exact role of this institution? The Commission is responsible for granting licences, rigorously supervising operators and actively protecting players.

Its powers are very real: heavy sanctions, administrative fines and management of the EPIS exclusion list.

As such, the Commission has become the cornerstone of the entire casino ecosystem in Belgium.

A key instrument of this protective policy is the EPIS (Excluded Persons Information System). This national database allows players to be excluded voluntarily, administratively or judicially. Anyone listed in EPIS is automatically denied access to both land-based casinos and Belgian online gambling platforms.

This mechanism clearly illustrates the Belgian legislator’s determination to place prevention and player protection at the heart of the system, beyond any commercial considerations.

The licensing system: a strict classification

The law introduced different licence categories to segment the market. Each licence corresponds to a specific type of establishment and authorised games.

Below is a summary table illustrating this precise legal framework:

The Digital Era and Contemporary Challenges of Belgian Casinos

The 2010 turning point: the arrival of legal online casinos

The 1999 law did not take the internet into account. Legislative updates in 2010 and 2011 extended the principle of channelisation to the digital world. This evolution created the secure market for legal online casinos in Belgium.

The Belgian model imposes a strict and reassuring rule: only holders of a land-based licence (A or B) may obtain an online licence (A+ or B+). This prevents the proliferation of unknown operators.

Belgian law also requires online casinos to implement a series of mandatory player protection tools. Players are subject to weekly deposit limits, reality check messages during sessions, and the ability to self-exclude at any time.

These measures complement the EPIS system and ensure immediate and uniform application of protective rules, without exception.

This link between physical and digital environments makes it possible to transpose classic experiences, such as online blackjack, within a fully secure framework.

Dice games, slot machines and live games: the new offer

The digital era has brought an explosion in game diversity. While slot machines remain essential, dice games enjoy remarkable popularity in Belgium.

So-called “dice slots” are a distinctive Belgian speciality, combining pure chance with a touch of strategy. This important part of local gaming culture is now accessible online.

Live dealer games have also emerged, faithfully recreating the atmosphere of physical casinos, but remotely.

Responsible gaming and new challenges: Belgian casinos today

The Belgian gambling model is now based on a strict balance between controlled accessibility and reinforced protection. Whether in land-based casinos or online platforms, operators are subject to precise obligations aimed at preventing addiction, limiting financial losses and identifying risky behaviour.

This comprehensive approach combines technological safeguards, regulatory control and player responsibility. It makes Belgium one of the most demanding European countries in terms of responsible gambling, with a framework designed above all to reduce gambling-related risks.

The history of casinos in Belgium, from the prestigious Redoute in Spa to the digital era, remains fascinating. Thanks to strict regulation, players now benefit from a safe and transparent gambling environment. Always remember that true enjoyment goes hand in hand with a responsible approach.

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FAQ

Is it true that the oldest casino in the world is Belgian?

Yes, and it is a genuine source of historical pride. The Casino of Spa, inaugurated in 1763 under the name “La Redoute”, is considered the oldest modern casino. It welcomed European aristocracy long before the emergence of Las Vegas.

How long has gambling existed in Belgium?

Long before the first casinos were built. As early as the 15th century, Flemish cities such as Bruges organised lotteries to fund public works. This tradition of regulated gambling for the benefit of the community has deep historical roots.

How many land-based casinos are there in Belgium today?

Belgian law strictly limits the number of casinos in order to control gambling supply. Historically, nine land-based casinos were recognised by the 1999 law. A tenth licence was later created to allow Brussels, as the European capital, to officially host its own casino under strict supervision by the Gaming Commission.

Who is not allowed to play in a Belgian casino?

Access is strictly forbidden to anyone under the age of 21. In addition, certain professions such as magistrates, notaries and police officers are excluded for ethical reasons. Finally, anyone listed in the EPIS database of the Belgian Gaming Commission is denied access.

Why are some casino websites inaccessible in Belgium?

This is a matter of player safety. Only operators holding a land-based licence may legally offer online gambling. If a website is blocked, it usually means it does not comply with the strict player protection standards imposed by the State.