A recent study conducted by Belgium’s BAGO has uncovered that 25% of Belgian gamblers are using unlicensed platforms, raising significant concerns around consumer safety and the regulation of the market. The growth of these unregulated platforms not only threatens the financial stability of the licensed gaming industry but also puts vulnerable gamblers at risk due to the absence of critical protective measures.
**A new study by Belgium’s BAGO reveals that 1 in 4 Belgian gamblers are using unlicensed platforms, raising concerns about consumer safety and market regulation.**
According to BAGO, the spread of these unlicensed platforms compromises the economic integrity of the licensed sector and poses severe risks to vulnerable gamblers who lack essential protections including **age verification**, **self-exclusion enforcement**, and **deposit limits**.
The findings also shed light on worrying behaviors among self-excluded gamblers, with about **47% reporting that they have resumed gambling** through illegal sites, circumventing Belgium’s national EPIS exclusion system that is designed to provide support and prevent relapses.
The situation among the youth is especially troubling. Prior to the increase of the legal gambling age to 21 in 2024, almost half of the male participants aged 18-21 reported using unlicensed gambling sites. This figure escalated to **65%** after the law change, with 97% of males in the same age group recognizing at least one illegal gambling brand.
**BAGO chairman Tom De Clercq commented:**
“We are on a slippery slope. While licensed gambling sites adhere to stringent regulations, invest in responsible gaming initiatives like the Duty of Care charter signed in November 2023, and prioritize player protection, illegal operators operate unhindered. This lack of regulation and control over illegal circuits especially affects young people and vulnerable groups. Without intervention, Belgium, like some neighboring countries, might lose control over its gambling sector.”
**BAGO vice-chairman, Emmanuel Mewissen, further added:**
“In our battle against the scourge of illegal gambling, BAGO fully supports strengthening the Gaming Commission through the coalition agreement, transforming it into a robust regulator. This empowerment will enable it to effectively confront illegal operators, safeguard consumers, and uphold a well-regulated private market.”
BAGO is advocating for policymakers to focus on enforcing regulatory measures and implementing technological solutions to identify, monitor, and block illegal gambling activities. These steps are crucial for protecting gambler welfare and ensuring a fair, transparent gaming landscape in Belgium.