Europe is dealing with a score of economic difficulties, with the European Union and the Euro itself in jeopardy, many countries are focusing on financial difficulties while their online gambling regulation runs amok. While some other countries are trying to tackle problems of illegal gaming sites and open their borders to the industry at large, others are cracking down and being more specific about who they will allow to operate in their country.
These new regulations, that bear harsh fines, could usher in a new era in Europe that has gamblers needing to be very careful about where and who they deposit their money with.
So which country is spoiling all the fun? (just kidding); it’s Belgium. They’ve recently instituted new legislation and regulations for gambling operators, as well as a blacklist of operators who are not allowed to operate in their country. The specifics of the regulations and the reason for the blacklist are not reported on, but presumably it’s because the operators don’t follow their stated guidelines.
The fines associated with violating Belgium’s new rules are steep and run on both sides of the fence: players and operators. Players that are caught gambling on “illegal” sites could be charged up to 25,000 euros. And operators who are caught with Belgian patrons could be charged anywhere from 100 euros to 100,000.
Among the sites that have been approved is the mega UK brand, PokerStars. So if you’re on a trip into Belgium and have an account with them, you’re good to play. However, if you’ve got an account with say, Everest or Chillipoker, you’re out of luck; they’re on the black list.
Sources say that Chilipoker is slated to be taken off the blacklist because they’ve agreed to ban Belgium players from their site all on their own. A new online gambling sheriff is in town and, without pointing fingers, he’s really good at making chocolates.
This is the first situation of its kind in the European Union and certainly the first for players. Belgium has given this “Blacklist” to the police with strict rules of adherence and enforcement. It’s buyer beware in terms of casino gaming enthusiasts in this small, EU member country.
