Belgian ISPs to block illegal gambling sites

Four Belgian ISPs signed a protocol with the Belgian Gaming Commission. Starting from January 2012, Telenet, Mobistar, Base and Belgacom will block access to illegal gambling sites.

The Gaming Commission will set up two lists: a white list and a black list. The white list includes gambling sites that acquired licenses from the Gaming Commission for their legal activities. The black list contains gambling sites that do not have a Gaming Commission' license. The Gaming Commission sents the black list to the ISPs so they can block the illegal gambling sites.

It is unclear whether the Belgian ISP association named ISPA also signed the protocol. However, the the Belgian Federation of the financial sector (Febelfin)did sign the protocol. The Gaming Commission will send the black list of illegal gambling sites also to Febelfin, so Febelfin can decide not to conduct more transactions for the companies behind the gambling sites.

The Belgian legislation states unlicensed gambling is illegal. However, there was no medium to combat illegal gambling. By signing the protocol, the Gaming Commission is positive about the battle against illegal gambling sites.

References: Tweakers, Nieuwsblad.be

By: Karen Groen