Belgian National Lottery won’t advertise sports betting during World Cup

Vincent Van Peteghem, Belgium’s Deputy PM, has stated that the Belgian National Lottery will not advertise sports betting during the World Cup.
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Vincent Van Peteghem, Belgium’s Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister, has stated that the Belgian National Lottery will not advertise sports betting across any media platform during the World Cup.

The minister, who is also in charge of the lottery, has made it clear that no sports betting advertisement from the lottery will be featured on the radio, TV, or written press while the football tournament takes place in Qatar.

Van Peteghem noted that the Belgian National Lottery is refusing to advertise sports betting during the World Cup to help fight against gambling addiction.

He said in a press release: “The National Lottery is playing a pioneering role in the protection of players and the fight against gambling addiction. At a football world championship, the sport and the supporter experience must be central.

“Sports betting advertising should not have a place in broadcasts or reports via television, radio and written press. The National Lottery is already setting a good example by not advertising its sports betting on these channels.”

Belgium’s Gambling Commission found that, during the 2018 World Cup, half of the newly registered gambling users were wagering for the first time, which Van Peteghem says was a trend reinforced by advertising.

The minister added that the lottery would continue to help players who are struggling with gambling addiction and help guide players to safer gaming environments in the years to come.

Measures to be proposed to the Belgium Parliament in a National Lottery policy letter soon include low and strict play and deposit limits, as well as restrictions on advertising and sponsoring.