Difficulties continue for Belgian casinos

The international economic crisis, and the competition from online casinos has caused a lot of harm to the casino industry in many countries.
This is particularly the case in France but also in Belgium.
The situation  of the sector in the country is still rather worrying.
Indeed, the Partouche group was forced to sell all of their Belgian casinos.
Moreover, all establishments in the country, without exception, are now in the red.
In the year 2012, the casinos accumulated a total loss of €12 million, and 2013 was not much better.
Industry professionals agree that the tax burden is too strong.
In fact, the Belgian casinos have to pay two different taxes: one at federal level, and one at a regional level.
According to casino owners the system has become unsustainable, especially as the government is also now talking about increasing the amount of contributions.
Under these circumstances the other groups may follow the example of the Partouche group, and leave Belgium.
CAI could be the next owner of the Grand Casino Brussels, which had a 100 million euros loss, despite recent renovations with a large budget.
The establishment is currently being targeted by the commission for games of chance, and they might be facing an administrative penalty due to solvency problems. It will be closed at night, for a period of 90 days, starting from the first of March.