The European nation is particularly concerned with the gambling sector's impact on its youth, especially given the prevalence of unregulated platforms
Belgium is grappling with a surge in black market gambling operations that threaten to undermine the country's regulated gambling ecosystem and pose serious risks to consumers, especially young people. The Belgian Association of Gaming Operators (BAGO) has ramped up its calls for stricter enforcement against illegal platforms, warning of their devastating effects on players.
According to BAGO, Illegal online gambling sites threaten the integrity of the Belgian gaming market on numerous fronts. These platforms operate outside Belgian legislation and often bypass vital safeguards such as age verification and addiction prevention measures. Such companies do not pay taxes, creating unfair competition to licensed entities.
Black market operators often use social media and sports sponsorships to lure in players, particularly young adults, further entrenching their market presence. The lack of safeguards and regulation means that young and vulnerable individuals are especially at risk of gambling harm despite the Belgian government's ongoing efforts to protect its youth.
BAGO drew attention to a recent study by licensed operators showing the popularity of unregulated platforms among young Belgians. Worryingly, nearly 50% of men aged 18-21 were active on illegal gambling sites. When asked to name a gambling brand, 29% of young men mentioned a black market site, compared to just 4% in the general player population.
The study also unveiled how such platforms market their services. About 31% of young players discovered illegal operators via social media, while 26% were introduced through sports sponsorships. BAGO chairman Tom De Clercq noted that social media commanded a tremendous persuasive power as these companies expertly marketed their services to reach as broad an audience as possible.
"Young people have increasingly easy access to illegal gambling sites, which attract them with tempting bonuses, but which also jeopardize the privacy and security of personal data."
The Belgian government's September decision to raise the legal gambling age to 21 aimed to strengthen player protections. However, the ban may have inadvertently pushed many young people further into the unregulated market. De Clercq noted that the prevalence of illegal platforms could warp public perception and undermine the government's hard work toward improving consumer protections.
"These platforms not only increase the risk of gambling addiction but also undermine confidence in a safe, regulated gambling market."
The continued prevalence of black market platforms indicates that Belgium must consider a new, more comprehensive approach. BAGO has urged authorities to intensify their efforts against illegal operators, focusing on stricter enforcement, public awareness campaigns, collaborations with social media platforms to restrict advertisements, and crackdowns on payments to black market sites.