The report conducted by DataSynergy looked specifically at people aged 18 to 30 in Belgium and it concluded over 25% of that group used illegal means to wager.
Study Finds 30% Of Young People In Belgium Use Illegal Sportsbooks30% Of Young People In Belgium Use Illegal Sportsbooks
In terms of sports betting, 30% of young people wagered via illegal websites while 22% used illegal platforms solely for online casino betting.
Study Finds 30% Of Young People In Belgium Use Illegal SportsbooksThe illegal market is becoming the new normal for Belgium youth and the top ten most popular operators among 18 to 30-year-olds includes three illegal websites.
Legislation Changes In Belgium Lead To Increased Illegal Activity
Gambling legislation in Belgium has seen a number of significant changes imposed in recent years, beginning with strict restrictions advertising in July 2023.
Additionally in September 2024, the minimum age for gambling in Belgium was increased from 18 to 21 years.
Study Finds 30% Of Young People In Belgium Use Illegal SportsbooksThat doesn’t mean partnerships between clubs and those companies are completely forbidden though, as logos can still be used in some form.
BAGO Reveal 25% Of Residents Are Using Offshore Sportsbooks
Study Finds 30% Of Young People In Belgium Use Illegal Sportsbooks.Chairman Tom De Clercq also highlighted that 47% of all players that have previously self-excluded have started gambling again through the offshore market.
“We are on a sloping plane. While licensed gambling sites are subject to strict rules, investing in responsible gaming and actively protecting players, illegal operators are given free rein.
“And that has consequences: more and more people, especially young people and vulnerable target groups, end up in an illegal circuit without rules, without control and without protection. If we do nothing, Belgium is in danger of losing control of its gambling market.”
Study Finds 30% Of Young People In Belgium Use Illegal Sportsbooks Study Finds 30% Of Young People In Belgium Use Illegal Sportsbooks
Joe Lyons is a betting industry writer for GamblingIndustryNews with years of experience on reputable gambling websites. Joe specialises in long form content in the world of sports betting and gambling. Joe is recognised as an expert in sports fields such as horse racing, soccer, NFL and NBA.
