Belgium elevates black market battle

Summary

Belgium is stepping up efforts to curb the illicit gambling market by involving DNS Belgium to help identify and act on illegal .be domain websites. Under new guidance, inspectors from the CJH (FR) / KSC (NL) can notify DNS Belgium when illegal gambling content is found on a site using a .be domain. DNS Belgium will then alert the domain holder that the activity breaches its terms and conditions, effectively creating a route to block or disrupt access to illegal sites.

The move is part of a wider strategy to tackle a black market that has benefited from strict advertising rules for licensed operators and forthcoming restrictions such as a full ban on sports sponsorship for gambling companies from 1 January 2028. Norway’s recent use of DNS blocking as a precedent is noted as a similar tactic that led to many sites being blocked earlier this year.

Key Points

DNS Belgium will be notified by inspectors when illegal gambling content is linked to a .be domain, prompting action against the domain holder.
The guidance frames domain use for illegal gambling as a breach of DNS Belgium’s general terms and conditions, enabling an enforcement pathway.
Tight advertising rules for the licensed market (TV, radio, online, social media and digital displays) have helped the black market gain an advantage in attracting players.
Belgium will outlaw sports sponsorship by gambling companies from 1 January 2028, further tightening the regulated market’s commercial channels.
Norway’s recent DNS-blocking campaign is cited as a precedent, showing how blocking can rapidly reduce access to illegal gambling sites.

Why should I read this

Quick heads-up: if you work in iGaming, compliance, payments or affiliate marketing, this matters. Belgium’s use of DNS-level action is a practical, enforceable tool that could reshape where players go and how operators market. It’s a sign regulators are getting more tech-savvy — so either brace for stricter enforcement or start planning how to protect and adapt your operations and partnerships now.