Belgium's Council of State has suspended the 15-year Brussels casino licence awarded to Napoleon Games after an appeal by the current operator, Viage, which has held the concession since 2010.
Viage challenged the tender process on multiple grounds: the selection criteria were not followed, the decision lacked proper reasoning, and the assessment contained errors. The operator also flagged a potential conflict of interest. Brussels Mayor Philippe Close sits on the board of football club Anderlecht, a key Napoleon Games partner, and did not recuse himself from the vote on the €750 million contract.
The court sided with Viage, ruling that not all elements of the tender documentation were properly considered and that some reviewed factors fell outside the scope of the concession. The procedure also failed to comply with EU rules on subsidies that distort the internal market.
Brussels now faces three options: relaunch the procedure (which would take months, with the current licence expiring 31 December), confirm Napoleon Games with stronger justification, or review the submitted bids. Any choice risks new appeals.
Viage spokesperson Siham Makrache said the operator expects the case to be revisited but opposes a restart, which would take another year. Viage placed second among five bidders.
Mayor Close's office said the city is reviewing the ruling. Trade alderman Didier Wauters expressed surprise but noted the council followed the auditor's recommendations. A temporary extension of the current licence is under discussion — the casino brings the city €10 million in annual fees.
