Belgium’s Federal Public Service of Justice (formerly the Ministry of Justice) has revised the nation’s legal framework to strengthen measures against illegal gambling activities.

These updates are incorporated under Article XVII.34/1 of the Economic Code, allowing interested parties to file complaints about market violations with the Brussels Commercial Court. The new framework empowers private entities, management companies, collective management organizations, and professional or interprofessional associations with legal personality to act individually or collectively in addressing alleged infringements related to illegal online games of chance.

The President of the Brussels Commercial Court is authorized to issue interim orders against the alleged violators and their intermediaries if the infringement is deemed “clear and significant.” Decisions on such cases must be made within eight working days of the inquiry’s registration to ensure swift action.

When a unilateral application initiates the inquiry, it will be presumed urgent. However, defendants can request a hearing where both parties are present, and the President may also order the publication of the court’s decision online for a specified duration.

To clarify the changes, Belgium’s Gambling Commission (Kansspelcommissie) will host an online educational session on December 17.

This updated framework addresses concerns highlighted by a Ministry of Justice-funded research project, which identified enforcement gaps in the Royal Decree on Gambling and emphasized the need for stronger oversight of illegal gambling websites.