Belgium’s Gambling Regulator Warns of Staffing Crisis

Belgium’s gambling regulator has issued a grave warning that chronic underfunding and tight government control are undermining its ability to properly oversee the country’s expanding gaming industry. In an advisory opinion released on 24 October 2025, the Commission des jeux de hasard (CJH) urged lawmakers to grant it full autonomy over staffing and budget management to restore effective oversight.

Regulator Raises the Alarm

The CJH’s opinion, narrowly approved by a five-to-four vote, was a response to a draft law designed to strengthen player protection and regulatory controls. While the Commission supported the bill’s objectives, it stressed that without structural independence, the measures would fall short.

“The Commission must be able to determine and implement its staffing strategy independently,” the CJH stated. “Only then can it reach personnel levels comparable to regulators in neighboring countries with similar responsibilities.”

The regulator said that bureaucratic hurdles under the Ministry of Justice have severely hampered recruitment, leaving it with fewer employees than 15 years ago despite an expanded mandate.

Staffing Shortages and Hiring Delays

As of July 2025, the CJH employed just 32.8 full-time staff, down from 39.3 in 2023, far below its authorized framework of 57 positions. The Commission estimates it needs around 80 employees to meet its obligations.

Recruitment processes have grown “excessively long,” taking up to two and a half years for certain roles. “The situation has become even more concerning than two years ago,” the regulator said, calling it “unsustainable.”

By comparison, the Netherlands’ gambling authority will employ 230 people by 2026, Germany’s 145, France’s more than 80 and the UK’s 413 while Belgium manages with fewer than 40.

Oversight Challenges in a Growing Market

The CJH’s concerns come as gambling participation and harm continue to rise. A recent government study found that 53% of Belgians aged 18–30 had gambled despite new restrictions and 28% used unlicensed platforms.

Meanwhile, BAGO, representing Belgium’s leading licensed operators, has called for EU-wide coordination on harm prevention but rejected the idea of a single European gambling license, warning it could lead to weaker regulatory standards.

Push for Greater Autonomy

The draft law suggests doubling the number of police officers assigned to the CJH and establishing minimum staffing levels. However, the Commission cautioned that fixing employee quotas in law could limit flexibility. “The Commission should have the freedom to manage its own personnel policy and recruitment,” it argued.

It also pointed out that adding inspectors without strengthening the sanctions team currently just one part-time employee would be ineffective.

Financial Restrictions Limit Oversight

Although funded through annual operator contributions, the CJH said government-imposed spending restrictions prevent it from using its €50 million fund for salaries and operations. It backed plans to index operator contributions but insisted that full financial independence is essential for effective regulation.

“As long as the Commission’s budget and staffing remain under ministerial control,” it warned, “its independence will remain purely theoretical.”