The number of gamblers who voluntarily exclude themselves from gambling increased last year to 56,458, which is 6,760 or 13.6% more than in 2023.
These figures were provided by Peter Van Rompuy, the leader of the Christian Democratic and Flemish (CD&V) group in the Flemish Parliament, who obtained the information from former Justice Minister Paul Van Tigchelt (Open VLD).
Since 2004, Belgians have been able to register on the EPIS list (Excluded Persons Information System) to prevent themselves from accessing gambling sites and locations. The number of people on this list has been steadily increasing. Compared to 2015, when 32,136 gamblers were registered, this marks a 120% rise.
Related News
- Belgian gambling industry makes huge profits despite stricter rules
- Police close venue in Antwerp after reports of drug use and illegal gambling
- VRT fined €10,000 for broadcasting illegal gambling ads
“A gambling addiction is an underestimated social problem that not only causes financial misery but also leads to significant human suffering,” said Van Rompuy. He commended the new federal government’s proactive approach to this issue, highlighting the importance of the EPIS list as a protective measure.
Van Rompuy praised the Gaming Commission’s efforts to raise awareness of the list and simplify registration procedures, noting that since the end of 2021, self-registration via the Itsme app has been possible. These measures are clearly reflected in the numbers, he added. Additionally, access to gambling sites and locations can be denied for professional reasons, such as for bailiffs, notaries, and police officers.
In 2024, 58,659 people were excluded for professional reasons. Furthermore, in 2024, there were 5,476 exclusions based on judicial requests and 62,068 exclusions due to collective debt settlement.
