Belgium eases Covid-19 capacity restrictions for casinos

Previously, all land-based venues had been limited to a maximum of 40 people on site, but this has now been increased, though venues must ensure there is only one customer per 10 square metres.

However, the 40-person limit will remain in place for gambling halls and betting agencies for the foreseeable future, again with such venues required to ensure there is only one customer every 10 square metres.

Meanwhile, casinos, gaming halls and betting shops in the Walloon region of the country must now close at 9:30pm, while venues in the Liège are required to shut at 8:00pm.

All gambling venues in the Flemish region must close at 11:30pm – unless they have been ordered to shut earlier – and remain closed until 6:00am the following day.

Casinos, gaming rooms and betting offices in the Brussels region must also stay closed, while bookstores with a game room are also not yet permitted to reopen.

Other restrictions that remain in place include that all gambling venues cannot serve food or drink, while all customers must register upon entry in order to comply with the country’s tracing system.

Wearing a mask will also remain compulsory in casinos and gambling halls, in line with nationwide regulations that have been in place in Belgium since July.

All gambling venues were forced to temporarily close in March due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Betting shops started to reopen in June, and casinos the following month.