Belgian Study Reveals Rise in Illegal Gambling
A recent study by the Belgian Association of Licensed Gaming Operators (BAGO) indicates a concerning trend: a significant portion of Belgian gamblers are turning to unlicensed online gambling platforms. The association released a press statement outlining key findings from the research, which aims to highlight the growing presence of illegal online casinos in Belgium.
This mirrors a similar situation in the Netherlands, where a report from the Gaming Authority revealed the illegal market had surpassed the legal online market in size.
One in Four Gamblers
BAGO describes the findings as a “worrying trend,” with one in four Belgian gamblers now active on illegal, unlicensed gambling platforms. This is particularly prevalent among younger players.
A year prior, BAGO conducted a similar study, which found that nearly half of Belgian men between the ages of 18 and 21 were already gambling on illegal online casinos. This study took place before the minimum age for online gambling in Belgium was raised to 21.
Now, a year later, this percentage of young gamblers using illegal online casinos has risen to 65%. Of those under 21 surveyed, 97% recognized at least one illegal gambling brand, according to BAGO.
Excluded Players Continue to Gamble Illegally
The study also examined players who had self-excluded through EPIS, the Belgian equivalent of a national self-exclusion register. The research suggests that 47% of these excluded players have continued to gamble through illegal online casinos. Tom De Clercq, chairman of BAGO, warns that Belgium risks losing control of its gambling market:
“We are on a slippery slope. While licensed gambling sites are subject to strict rules, invest in responsible gaming (such as the Duty of Care charter we signed in November 2023), and actively protect players, illegal operators have free rein. This 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 risks losing control of its gambling market (like some neighboring countries).”
Tom De Clercq, Chairman of BAGO
Stay ahead of the curve in the fast-paced online casino world – explore the latest updates and trends at listofallcasinos.com.
