Belgium ignites debate by raising legal gambling age to 21

Belgium's decision to raise the legal gambling age from 18 to 21 has sparked a global debate on regulatory gaps and the maturity of young adults, according to Minimum Deposit Casinos (MDC).

The move, aimed at curbing gambling addiction, sets Belgium apart from other European Union countries such as Sweden, Germany, Finland, and Austria, where the legal gambling age remains 18.

Miranda Raaff, Head of iGaming Information for the casino resource portal MDC, highlighted the inconsistencies in age regulations across various high-risk activities.

“If Belgian lawmakers believe that 21 is the right age for gambling, then shouldn’t this age limit be instituted for all high-risk activities like drinking, smoking, driving, and watching porn? It seems arbitrary to single out gambling while leaving other equally, if not more risky behaviors less regulated. Perhaps, they should apply the same logic to all these activities,” Raaff stated.

Raaff pointed out that in most countries, 18-year-olds are allowed access to pornography, which indicates a perceived maturity level despite the dangers online. “Alcohol poses huge health risks, and driving a vehicle requires even more responsibility with potentially life-threatening consequences, still, we allow 18-year-olds, and in some nations, even younger people to drive. Addiction is also not limited to gambling. It can also happen with alcohol, smoking, and porn.”

The decision by Belgian lawmakers raises critical questions about the perceived maturity of young adults. Raaff suggested a more holistic approach, one that addresses all risky behaviors uniformly.

“We need a broader global debate about legal age. If we trust 18-year-olds with driving, smoking, consuming alcohol, and accessing porn, why should gambling be treated differently? Protecting young adults means taking the same step," Raaff said. "We also need to recognize that maturity levels do not change much between 18 and 21. By aligning these regulatory gaps, we will create a more realistic framework.”