Belgian commission to be investigated over corruption accusation

The Belgian Gaming Commission will be investigated by a federal entity over possible breaches of the rules on integrity.

Belgium.- The Centre for Integrity of Belgium, which is a division of the federal ombudsman service, will investigate the Belgian Gaming Commission after rumours regarding the regulator’s integrity emerged. A new report claims that the commission abused power and accepted gifts from gambling companies.

According to Het Laatste Nieuws, the complaints concerned senior members of the commission, including its director Peter Naessens. They are accused of abusing their power and public funds, intercepting emails and accepting gifts from gambling companies.

The Centre for Integrity received a complaint from inside the administration and reported that it has interviewed unidentified parties and seized computer equipment.

Naessens lawyer said: “My client has a reputation for integrity, and will defend himself against all allegations.”

Belgium targets gambling advertising

The commission has recently criticised how operators were present during recent football broadcasts. The local Jupiler Pro League reached its playoffs and ads were “omnipresent”, according to the regulator.

The watchdog in Belgium said gambling advertising should get further regulations and released a report assessing such an issue.

“The analysis of the gambling advertising shown during the football playoffs and the analysis of the betting data show, on the one hand, that gambling advertising is ubiquitous in football events. On the other hand, an increase in gambling activity can be observed on the playing days of the playoffs.”