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Gaming Commission urges ministerial intervention after regulatory framework collapse leaves newspaper vendors unable to offer sports betting services.
Feb 16, 2026 · 3 min read
The Belgian Gaming Commission has suspended processing of new F2 licences and renewals for newspaper vendors following a Council of State ruling that eliminated the regulatory framework for sports betting operations.
The Council of State annulled a royal decree from 17 February 2022 on 22 January 2026, removing the detailed conditions that allowed newspaper vendors to accept bets on sporting events and horse racing as a secondary activity. Under Article 43/4, § 5, 1° of the Gambling Act, newspaper vendors registered as commercial enterprises can offer sports betting services, but only under conditions defined by royal decree.
The annulled decree had established the operational parameters for F2 licence holders, including restrictions preventing betting acceptance in establishments selling alcoholic beverages for on-premises consumption.
Regulatory Authority Suspended
The Belgian Gaming Commission currently lacks legal authority to process any F2 licence applications or renewals for newspaper vendors following the Council of State's annulment of the foundational royal decree on 22 January 2026.
With no valid royal decree in place, the Gaming Commission lacks the legal authority to evaluate licence applications or process renewals. The Gambling Act grants the King specific powers to define secondary activity descriptions and compliance conditions for newspaper vendors offering betting services.
F2 Licence Requirements
Under Article 43/4, § 5, 1° of the Gambling Act, newspaper vendors can offer sports betting as a secondary activity only when registered as commercial enterprises and operating under conditions defined by royal decree. Without a valid decree, no legal framework exists for these operations.
The regulatory gap affects newspaper vendors seeking to diversify revenue streams through sports betting services. The Gaming Commission has pressed ministers to address the situation urgently, either through new royal decree adoption or legislative amendments.
Warning
The Gaming Commission has pressed ministers to address this regulatory vacuum immediately through either adopting a new royal decree or implementing legislative amendments to restore the legal framework for newspaper vendor betting operations.
The Council of State annulled the royal decree from 17 February 2022 that provided the legal framework for newspaper vendors to offer sports betting services. Without this decree, the Gaming Commission lacks authority to evaluate applications.
Newspaper vendors could accept bets on sporting events and horse racing as a secondary activity. However, they were restricted from operating in establishments that sell alcoholic beverages for on-premises consumption.
The situation requires government intervention through either adopting a new royal decree or implementing legislative amendments. The Gaming Commission has urged ministers to address this urgently to restore the regulatory framework.
According to Gaming Commission.
Legal Disclaimer
This content reflects a general overview of regulatory frameworks based on publicly available information. It does not constitute legal advice or a legal opinion. iGamingWriter.blog disclaims any liability arising from reliance on this material.
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