Following presentation to the commission, the Maltese government challenged the law on the grounds that it interferes with the free movement of goods, services and people in the EU. Initially, the status quo period of the Belgian royal decree was scheduled to end on August 9, but Malta's claim saw the deadline extended to September 9, which could delay the final implementation of the law.
According to the provisions of the Decree, the conditions set forth apply to holders of gaming licenses of the following classes, except those of the National Lottery:
- A: It is the Belgian casino license and it allows to open a land-based casino in Belgium
- A+:For a person who already has an A license, to open an online casino.
- B: Allows the operation of a land-based slot machine arcade
- B+: For a holder of a B license to operate online
- F1: For the organization of Bets on Sports and Horse Racing
- F1+: to organize bets online
- F2: To accept bets on sports events in common areas
The bill establishes that authorized advertising may not be directed specifically at socially vulnerable groups and must include an indication of the minimum age required to participate. Also, regardless of the medium used, each game advertisement will contain a cautionary message, may not be personalized, and may not use the voice of famous people or famous fictional characters.
Regarding the use of trademarks or logos, they may be used in the following cases:
- Facades of gaming establishments (may occupy a maximum of 30% of the total area of ??the facade and may not exceed 20 m²)
- Sportswear of players or sports teams of professional clubs
- Where the professional sport is played
- International and European sports tournaments
- Belgian sports tournaments.
On the other hand, sponsorship messages must meet the following conditions:
- The duration will not exceed 5 seconds
- The number of sponsorship messages per hour will not exceed two
- It will be broadcast during the fifteen minute period prior to the start and the fifteen minute period following the live presentation of sports competitions.
We must emphasize that the draft Belgian regulation emphasizes that advertising will only be allowed if its content:
- Does not contain any unsubstantiated claims about the winnings that players can take away
- Does not encourage irresponsible and abusive gambling
- It does not suggest that the fact of winning depends on the knowledge of the game or the skills of the player
- Does not praise people who play or criticize those who do not play
- Does not put pressure on people who do not want to participate in gaming
- It does not suggest that gambling is an alternative to work and savings, a way to get rich quick, or a solution to financial problems.
- Does not establish a link between gambling and social, financial and sexual success
- Does not stage situations in which people play or bet and, at the same time, consume alcohol or tobacco products
- It is not promoted or associated with advertisements offering loans that can be obtained for the purpose of gambling
