THE BAN ON NOTARIES AND OTHER PROFESSIONS IN CASINOS IN BELGIUM

Legislative Context

In Belgium, access to casinos is strictly regulated for certain professions by the law of May 7, 1999. This legislation specifically targets judges, notaries, bailiffs, and members of the police services, prohibiting them from entering class I and II gambling establishments when they are not on duty (JustiFit).

Objectives of the Law

The main objective of this regulation is to preserve the integrity and financial independence of legal and law enforcement professions. By prohibiting access to casinos, the law seeks to avoid potential conflicts of interest and to ensure that these professionals remain impartial and unaffected by potential gains or losses in gambling.

EPIS Control System

To enforce this prohibition, Belgium uses the Excluded Persons Information System (EPIS), a database that records the names of all individuals barred from accessing casinos. This system is regularly updated to include recently banned professionals, thereby ensuring that the prohibition is effectively applied. The EPIS plays a crucial role in preventing access to gambling not only in physical casinos but also in online gambling platforms and other gaming venues.

Impact on Affected Professionals

This measure has a significant impact on notaries and other affected professionals, forcing them to adhere to a high standard of professional conduct even outside of their official duties. This regulation reflects the importance that Belgian society places on ethics in professions that play a crucial role in upholding justice and public order.

Comparison with Other Countries

It is interesting to compare this approach with that of other countries where such restrictions may not exist or are applied differently. For example, in France and Luxembourg, there are no specific restrictions regarding notaries and gambling. This difference can be attributed to varying legal traditions and cultural perceptions concerning gambling and its impact on legal and law enforcement professionals.

Ethical and Professional Considerations

Finally, it is essential to recognize that such prohibitions are not merely legal restrictions, but they also serve to reinforce the ethical standards expected of these professionals. They remind that maintaining personal and professional integrity is crucial, even in private activities, for those who hold positions of trust and power in society.

For more details on this regulation, you can consult resources such as Justifit and News of Belgian Law, which provide detailed and up-to-date explanations of Belgian laws regarding access to gambling for certain professions (DroitBelge).