As the minister in charge of the National Lottery, Federal Finance Minister Vincent Van Petegrem decided that it will not advertise sports betting via radio, TV and written press during the World Cup in Qatar.

A World Cup is traditionally a time when more people find their way to sports betting, which is why player protection and the fight against gambling addiction are a cornerstone of Van Peteghem’s policy.

“The National Lottery is taking a leading role in protecting players and fighting gambling addiction,” he said in a press release on Sunday. “At a World Cup, the sport and supporter experience should be central.”