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BAGO calls for action against illegal gambling in Belgium
The Belgian Association of Gaming Operators (BAGO) has called for strict action against illegal gambling activities as the recent study numbers highlight alarming addiction among young men aged 18-21.
The new study was conducted before Belgium raised the minimum gambling age from 18 to 21. At that time, teenagers’ favorite option was illegal activities on illegal websites. However, while the new law harmonizes age restrictions across casinos, sports betting, arcades, and bingo, it doesn’t affect unlicensed operators, who face no legal obligations like age verification or player protections.
BAGO chairman Tom De Clercq commented:
“This proves that illegal websites are a major social problem. Because recognised providers apply strict age checks and focus strongly on player protection, young people are turning to illegal sites. It is essential that the approach to illegal gambling websites is tightened up to stop this development.”
Illegal websites are famous among Belgium’s younger age groups. Social media and sports sponsorships are the main channels that promote these sites, further causing studies to find that 29% of young men are still into illegal websites. This is a concerning number, as it is 4% of the country’s population.
Tom De Clercq added:
“These platforms not only increase the risk of gambling addiction but also undermine confidence in a safe, regulated gambling market. BAGO therefore advocates targeted awareness campaigns, a fact-based gambling policy, and a stricter approach to illegal websites and measures to cut off financial flows to these providers.”
Recently, Belgium recorded a decline in online betting numbers.
FAQs
Is gambling legal in Belgium?
Gambling in Belgium is legal.
What is the legal gambling age in Belgium?
Belgium has raised the legal gambling age from 18 to 21.
Belgium will raise the legal gambling age to 21
Belgium has announced its plan to raise the legal gambling age from 18 to 21.Belgium is a country in Western Europe, known for its medieval towns, Renaissance...
