The history of gambling in Belgium dates back to 1930. That was the year when the Knokke Casino opened its doors for the very first time. It didn’t take long for gambling to gain massive popularity among adults, and even though there aren’t many physical and online casinos in the country at the moment, betting is still one of the most favored forms of entertainment in Belgium.
In the following sections, we will deliver information regarding the first physical gambling house that was established in 1930. Additionally, we will focus our attention on the specifics in regard to the gambling laws in Belgium, and we’ll also present the most prominent casinos that are still operating today.
History of Gambling Houses in Belgium: Knokke Casino
As aforementioned, the very first casino in Belgium was built in 1930. Its construction began one year earlier. The person who came up with the idea for the establishment of the gambling house was Jozef Nellens, who operated the casino for four years. When Nellens passed away, his son took charge of the casino. During that time, the facility was open only for the summer.
After World War II, the popularity of the casino grew immensely, and the place became home to numerous exhibitions, operas, ballet performances, and concerts. Today, Knokke Casino is the most notable physical gambling house located in Belgium. Although the casino was constructed in 1930, the official legalization of gambling took place in 1999.
Legalization of Gambling in Belgium
The body that regulates and licenses all gambling activity in the country is the Belgian Gaming Commission. Unlike many other European countries, the legal gambling age in Belgium is 21 rather than 18. In order for a gambling house to be considered legal, it should hold one or more licenses depending on the activities offered in the respective physical casino.
Even though at the beginning of the gambling industry in Belgium, there was a limit regarding the number of gambling facilities that could operate in the country, nowadays, there’s no such thing. At present, there are more than 70 casinos and five operating racetracks.
The Oldest and Most Popular Casinos in Belgium
We have already stated that the oldest and probably the most notable casino in Belgium is the Knokke Casino, which is located in the town of Knokke. Besides it, however, there are many other wagering houses that are immensely popular not only for residents of the country but for many gambling enthusiasts from all around the world, as well.
Blankenberge Casino
Blankenberge Casino is one of the official casinos located in Belgium. It was founded in 1936, and over the years, it went through numerous reconstructions and renovations. Today, those who visit the gambling house can enjoy a game of blackjack, roulette, and poker. Additionally, the facility features numerous slot machines, as well as electronic roulette.
Grand Casino Chaudfontaine
Another prominent casino located in the country is Grand Casino Chaudfontaine. One of the most impressive things about this casino is the overall interior of the place. In addition to this, the gaming house offers a variety of products, including slot machines, poker, roulette, and many other forms of entertainment.
Grand Casino Brussels Viage
Grand Casino Brussels Viage surely is one of the largest physical casinos one can visit in Belgium. Like any other gambling house in the country, visitors of this one are also required to present a valid ID before entering the grounds of the casino. The six-floor building is awe-inspiring, and at present, it features more than 350 slot machines, approximately 40 table games, and a huge poker room for all fans of the game.
Legal Forms of Gambling in Belgium
Casinos that give visitors a chance to try out their luck with well-known games, such as roulette, blackjack, poker, and slots, are definitely well-liked among gamblers. However, betting at casinos is not the only form of wagering people like to diversity their everyday life with. For instance, a large deal of sports fans like visiting facilities that feature the so-called kiosks.
These machines are used in places where betting on sports is permitted. They allow customers to place wagers at any time without waiting in lines. Football is certainly the most prominent discipline when it comes to betting in Belgium, but there are many other additional markets people can choose between.
Luckily, residents of the country are also allowed to gamble online. We may all agree that this is the most convenient form of wagering since players have the opportunity to place bets at a time convenient for them. However, all online platforms offering such services should be related to facilities within the borders of Belgium to be considered legal.
Curious Facts about The Casinos Located in Belgium
Belgium is the country that homes some of the most beautiful casinos in the world. Not only do gamblers engage in a fun game of blackjack, but they also spend a fair amount of time staring at the breathtaking paintings on the walls. The Knokke Casino, for example, is known to be not only the first casino in Belgium but the one with the most beautiful interior, as well. Another interesting thing with respect to this casino is the fact that a number of events took place in the facility, including the Eurovision Song Contest and the Miss Belgium Contest.