Belgium to restrict gambling sponsorships starting in 2025
Belgium’s Gaming Commission (Kansspelcommissie) is set to introduce new regulations regarding gambling sports sponsorships, which will take effect in January 2025.With...
BAGO demands crackdown on Belgium’s black market gambling
The Belgian Association of Gaming Operators (BAGO) has called for concrete measures against black market gambling.
Belgium is recording a concerning increase in black market gambling operations. Unlike licensed operators, black market platforms avoid Belgian laws and ignore age verification and addiction safeguarding procedures.
These breaches create a dishonest playing field, as black market operators pay no taxes while drawing in players through social media and sports sponsorships. Moreover, a study revealed that 50% of Belgian men aged 18–21 engaged with illegal gambling sites. When asked to name a gambling brand, 29% of young men cited black market operators.
Social media promotes black markets
Social media plays a key role in attracting young Belgians to black market platforms. Almost 31% of young players discovered illegal sites through social media, while 26% found them via sports sponsorships.
Tom De Clercq, BAGO chairman, commented:
“Young people have increasingly easy access to illegal gambling sites, which attract them with tempting bonuses but which also jeopardise the privacy and security of personal data. These platforms not only increase the risk of gambling addiction but also undermine confidence in a safe, regulated gambling market.”
In September, Belgium raised the legal gambling age to 21, aiming to protect players. However, this move shifted the addiction to illegal operators. De Clercq emphasized that these platforms heighten addiction risks and erode trust in the regulated market.
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.
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...
