Crypto Gambling in Belgium: Regulations, Platforms, and Player Guide

Legal Status of Crypto Gambling in Belgium

Belgium maintains strict gambling regulations under the oversight of the Belgian Gaming Commission (BGC). All forms of online gambling, including casinos, sports betting, and poker, require a valid license from the BGC. Crypto gambling falls into a regulatory gray area because Belgian law primarily addresses fiat currency transactions. However, operators must still obtain a license to legally offer gambling services to Belgian residents, regardless of the payment method. Using cryptocurrency for deposits or withdrawals without proper licensing can result in penalties for operators and possible account restrictions for players.

Licensing Requirements for Operators

To operate legally in Belgium, gambling platforms must:

Hold a Belgian A+, B+, or F1 license depending on the gambling type.
Partner with a physical, land-based casino or betting shop in Belgium.
Comply with anti-money laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) obligations.
Implement responsible gaming measures, including deposit limits and self-exclusion tools.
Because the BGC tightly controls the market, only a limited number of licensed sites exist, and most international crypto gambling platforms remain unlicensed in Belgium.

Popular Licensed Gambling Options

While dedicated crypto casinos are rare in the licensed Belgian market, some licensed platforms have begun experimenting with blockchain payment gateways. Players typically use licensed operators such as:

Unibet Belgium – Offers sports betting, casino, and poker with limited crypto-friendly deposit options.
Betway Belgium – Focuses on sports betting but includes casino games and supports modern payment solutions.
Casino de Spa Online – A licensed platform linked to the historic Casino de Spa, potentially allowing alternative payment methods.

Risks of Using Unlicensed Crypto Casinos

Belgian law prohibits access to unlicensed gambling platforms. The BGC actively blocks domains of unauthorized operators and can impose fines of up to €25,000 for players found using illegal sites. Additional risks include:

Lack of legal recourse in disputes.
Possible loss of funds due to scams or insolvency.
No guarantee of fair game algorithms or RNG certification.
Potential breaches of AML laws when using anonymous wallets.

How Belgian Players Access Crypto Gambling

Despite restrictions, some Belgian players use VPNs to access international crypto gambling platforms such as Bitcasino.io, Stake.com, or BC.Game. These platforms offer anonymity, instant transactions, and provably fair gaming. However, doing so violates Belgian law and carries both legal and financial risks.

Taxation on Winnings

In Belgium, casual gambling winnings are generally tax-free for players when earned from licensed operators. However, earnings from unlicensed or offshore platforms may be subject to taxation if classified as professional income or if linked to illegal activities. Cryptocurrency winnings also carry potential capital gains implications if converted into fiat.

Responsible Gambling Measures

Belgian regulations require operators to enforce responsible gaming measures:

Self-exclusion registration in the EPIS database.
Mandatory deposit and loss limits.
Prohibition of bonuses targeted at problem gamblers.
Even on international crypto gambling sites, players are encouraged to set personal limits, use on-chain tracking to monitor spending, and avoid using leverage or high-risk betting strategies.

Future of Crypto Gambling in Belgium

The future of crypto gambling in Belgium will likely depend on regulatory adaptation. The BGC may introduce clearer rules for cryptocurrency transactions, integrate blockchain-based payment verification, and expand licensing opportunities for hybrid fiat-crypto platforms.