Belgium bans football bets on lottery

The football World Cup might be judged a prime time to offer sports betting – but not in Belgium.

The country’s finance minister, Vincent van Peteghem, decided to ban advertising of the National Lottery on TV, radio and in newspapers during the competition in Qatar.

A keen advocate of protecting players and fighting gambling addiction, van Peteghem said in a press release as the competition in Qatar was getting under way: “The National Lottery is taking a leading role in protecting players and fighting gambling addiction. At a World Cup, the sport and supporter experience should be central.

“Advertising for sports betting should have no 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.”