Episode 17: Why Belgian gaming is growing and Zeal’s successful pivot
Summary
Right to the Source episode 17 sees Robin Harrison and Ed Birkin unpack two main stories: why Belgium’s gambling market kept growing in 2024 despite tougher regulation, and how Germany’s Zeal Network has successfully pivoted from lottery betting towards brokerage and online slots. The episode also veers into lighter topics, but the core takeaways focus on regulatory resilience and strategic transformation in igaming.
Key Points
- Belgian gambling GGR rose in 2024 even as regulators introduced deposit limits and advertising bans.
- The market’s continued growth suggests strict rules don’t always shrink revenue — a quirk in Belgium may explain some resilience.
- Zeal Network has shifted from lottery betting to a brokerage model and added online slots, boosting performance.
- Zeal’s pivot could be a blueprint for operators seeking more sustainable, diversified revenue streams.
- The podcast frames these developments as relevant to regulators, operators and affiliates watching European market trends.
Content Summary
Hosts discuss Belgium as an early mover on consumer protections (deposit limits, ad restrictions) yet observe that total gambling revenue still climbed in 2024. They suggest unique local factors are at play that help the market shrug off tighter rules, raising questions about how other jurisdictions might react if growth persists under stricter regimes.
The conversation then shifts to Zeal Network. The company has executed a measurable pivot from pure lottery betting to brokerage, supplemented by online slots — a strategy that appears to be building a more robust and adaptable business model. The hosts frame Zeal’s trajectory as instructive for firms navigating regulatory pressure and changing consumer behaviour.
Context and Relevance
This episode matters because it challenges a common assumption: stricter regulation will always depress market size. For industry professionals, the Belgian case is a reminder to look beyond headline rules and examine local market dynamics. Zeal’s example is timely for operators weighing diversification and platform strategy in an uncertain regulatory climate across Europe.
Why should I read this
Short version: if you work in EU igaming (or follow it), this quick pod roundup saves you time — it points out that regulation ≠ decline every time and shows a practical company pivot worth copying. Bite-sized, useful and no fluff.