Belgium Online Poker Sites Operating Under New Laws

As the clocked chimed midnight, an enthusiastic crowd of Belgium online poker fans screamed in jubilation as the new Belgian gambling laws took effect.

The Belgian Gaming Commission, known to act slower than a quadriplegic tortoise, announced the names of the first three licensed online poker sites in Belgium rather quickly, surprising even their own spokesperson who earlier told reporters to return sometime after mid-May for the announcement.

The first three online poker sites in Belgium to operate under new regulations are Poker Stars, Partouche and Casino 777. All three operators have long-standing ties with Belgian traditional gambling entities and are ready to offer online poker action to Belgian players on the spot.

They will soon be joined by four online casinos in Belgium, associated with licensed land-based casinos. There’s also hint of two online sportsbooks soon receiving licenses.

The announcement of the first licensees was accompanied by a statement that all unauthorized operators would be blocked from entering the Belgian market. Four main Belgian ISPs have already agreed to join forces with the Belgian Gaming Commission in preventing unlicensed gambling.

Belgium is going ahead with a set of restrictive and narrow-minded gambling regulations despite the European Commission’s negative opinion on the new gambling laws proposed by Belgian regulators last year.

Belgium gambling news reported that there still remains some uncertainty in regards to tax on winnings. The proposed regulations lack clarity on this particular issue, naturally many players already voiced concern and want the regulator to resolve the issue as soon as possible.