Belgians go to court to challenge gambling ad ban that will snatch 12% of football revenue

March 24 - Belgian football is joining the rest of the Belgian sports industry in going to court to challenge the country's total ban on gambling advertising.

Belgian Pro League CEO Lorin Parys was among those who signed a joint statement, demanding consultation to counter and revise the royal decree that will ban gambling advertisements in the country.

Sports stakeholders say the ban will not protect fans from gambling addiction, but rather direct fans to dangerous offers from unauthorized operators.

They advocate an approach that empowers the sports sector, emphasizes responsible gaming with protection of minors and guarantees the financial stability of the sports sector.

“However, our repeated appeal has gone unheeded in recent months,” the statement read. "That's why we are going to court today. According to the signatories, "the way forward is a solid legal framework in the field of sports betting, including clear agreements on its promotion."

"In this way, we channel players in the right way and do not take away this much-needed income from the sport. In this way, we do not push sports betting to the margins, but give them a clear place and social responsibility."

The Royal Decree will ban betting advertisements from 2025. It is estimated that Belgian football clubs derive at least 12% of sponsorship revenue from betting operators.

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