Numerous players in the nation are involved in the illegal gambling market, according to a recent study commissioned by the Belgian Association of Gaming Operators (BOGA).

The association reports that half of the 18–21-year-old young men who participated in the survey had engaged in unregulated gambling and were aware of "illegal gambling sites."

BOGA expresses concern about U-21 involvement in illicit gambling

The association believes that this is especially crucial because, as of September 1, 2024, it will be illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to gamble, which will make the problem even worse, according to BOGA.

Restricting those under 21 won't lessen the black market's power, according to BAGO Chairman Tom de Clercq, who commented on the study's findings. In actuality, De Clercq contends that since licensed operators must adhere to stringent regulations, black-market operators will continue to increase their market share because they are exempt from these regulations.

According to De Clercq, the requirement for regulated operators to maintain age checks will also force an increasing number of participants into the black market.

"Because licensed providers apply strict age checks and focus strongly on player protection, young people are turning to illegal sites. It is of great importance that the approach to illegal gambling websites is tightened up to stop this development," a translated statement from BOGA’s website read.

Certain specifics regarding the gambling habits of these players were revealed by the survey. When asked to name one gambling brand, 29% of men between the ages of 18 and 21 named an illegal gambling operator. 

In Belgium, unlicensed gambling brands are well-known.

The proportion of gamblers in that age group who mentioned an unlicensed gambling operator in Belgium increased to 59% when asked to name a second brand. According to BOGA, 85% of respondents acknowledged unregulated gambling brands when given a list of gambling brands and asked if they recognized them. 

"The high recognizability of illegal gambling operators among young men between 18 and 21 years old is mainly due to the persuasive power of social media. You only have to open your social media app, and you are overwhelmed by advertisements from illegal gambling sites. These unlicensed gambling brands have a dominant presence on these channels that are especially popular among young people," BAGO Vice Chairman Emmanuel Mewissen said.