The Belgian online gambling market is far from being well regulated as illegal practices are still observed. This was recognized by Etienne Marique, the current director of the Belgian Gaming Commission (JHC), while evoking the cruel lack of means to meet the responsibilities of its commission. The first responsible of the internet gambling regulation authority of the country admit it is rather difficult to correctly apply the law in front of lack of budget. After having opened the market of online games since 2011, the budget allocated by the Belgian Government to the JHC has been declining while the tasks entrusted to it tend to grow.
It is in this context that the President of the JHC, Etienne Marique launched the alert to the decision makers. The commission needs adequate financial means to enforce regulations strictly and effectively. Until today, the JHC is not able to continue its projects to clean up the area, said Etienne Marique. Priorities such as the fight against illegal sites and the adoption of measures to protect players do not advance because of lack of financial means. Just for these two projects, the commission needs a little more than € 50,000, an amount whose release is still pending for almost two years.
