Belgium Faces Rising Tide of Illegal Gambling
One in four Belgian gamblers now turns to illegal betting sites, with youth and self-excluded players most at risk, a new study commissioned by BAGO finds.
Surge in Unlicensed Gambling Raises Alarms
A recent study conducted on behalf of BAGO, the Belgian Association of Licensed Gambling Operators, reveals that 25% of Belgian players are currently gambling on illegal, unlicensed platforms. This means a significant portion of the market is now dominated by operators that operate outside any form of regulation.
Beyond the economic impact, the findings underscore growing concerns over consumer protection and the risks posed to vulnerable players. The study points to a particularly alarming trend among self-excluded individuals: nearly half—47%—have resumed gambling through illegal channels. These platforms function entirely outside the legal framework and do not apply any form of control such as age verification, EPIS registration, or deposit limits. As a result, they expose users to heightened risks without any protection.
Young Adults Increasingly Drawn to the Illegal Market
The numbers related to young adults are especially troubling. Even before the legal minimum gambling age was raised to 21, nearly half of the men aged 18 to 21 surveyed admitted to gambling illegally. That figure has now increased to 65%. It is also notable that 97% of them recognize at least one illegal gambling brand.
The rise of unlicensed operators—fueled by aggressive advertising on social media—poses a direct threat to policies aimed at guiding players toward safe, regulated, and responsible gambling environments.
BAGO Urges Stronger Measures Against Illegal Operators
“We are on a slippery slope. While licensed gambling websites are subject to strict rules, invest in responsible gambling (just think of the Duty of Care charter we signed in November 2023), and actively protect players, illegal operators have free rein. And that has consequences: more and more people, especially young people and vulnerable groups, end up in an illegal circuit without rules, without control, and without protection. If we do nothing, Belgium—like some neighboring countries—risks losing control over its gambling market,” warned Tom De Clercq, Chairman of BAGO.
In that context, BAGO underlines the need for decisive action.
“In the fight against the plague of illegal gambling, BAGO fully supports the implementation of the coalition agreement, which must provide the Gaming Commission with the tools to grow into a powerful regulator. Only in this way can it effectively tackle illegal providers, protect consumers, and maintain a well-regulated private market,” concluded Emmanuel Mewissen, BAGO’s Vice-Chairman.
