The 2022 report from Belgium’s Gaming Commission illustrates a narrative of resurgence and expansion within the nation’s gaming sector. Total gaming proceeds surged beyond €14.5 billion (equivalent to a considerable $15.8 billion!), revealing a robust 23.9% increase from the preceding year.
A significant observation? Although internet-based gaming maintains the largest portion of the earnings at 54.9%, physical venues staged a powerful comeback. They witnessed a massive 65.7% rise compared to 2021, showcasing a strong rebound from the pandemic downturn.
Notably, within land-based establishments, the attraction of blinking lights and the sound of coins proved most enticing. Bingo establishments and low-limit games in cafes became the highest earners, drawing in a substantial 33% of all offline gaming income.
In the digital realm, virtual card tables remained dominant. Casino websites prevailed with a hefty 47.3% slice of the online revenue distribution, trailed by the consistently popular slot machine websites.
In summary, the report implies that Belgium’s gaming industry is on an upward course. As the digital segment sustains its steady ascent, the revival of physical locations adds another dimension of dynamism to this evolving market.
The study emphasizes a significant resurgence for physical casinos in 2022, as land-based Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) increased twofold from 2021. This achievement propelled the sector to an unprecedented year, surpassing €500 million in GGR across nine gambling establishments.
Each brick-and-mortar casino witnessed a GGR rise, exceeding even pre-pandemic figures of 2019. The Brussels casino became the frontrunner, accounting for over 40% of overall earnings.
Internet gambling also saw expansion, with the nine authorized platforms experiencing a 16% GGR climb. The Spa casino’s digital presence demonstrated the highest profitability. Conversely, the Middelkerke casino encountered a GGR decrease due to the withdrawal of supplementary permits.
A September 2023 analysis by the Belgian Gaming Commission unveiled some worrying patterns. It indicated that 13% of respondents gamble every day, and alarmingly, only 36% could distinguish between legitimate and illicit gambling sites.
