1 in 3 Flemish people gamble

A recent summary of data published by the Flemish Centre of Expertise on Alcohol and Drugs shows the population’s participation in gambling, changing practices and the rapid rise of online gambling. 

A practice rooted in Flemish society

Gambling has long been part of the social landscape in Belgium, but its true extent often remains unknown. A recent statistical summary published by the Flemish Centre of Expertise on Alcohol and Drugs reveals the extent of the phenomenon in Flanders and Belgium. 

According to this data, more than one in three adults has participated in at least one form of gambling in the past year. While most gamblers do so occasionally, a minority develop problematic behaviour. The study also shows that the sector is undergoing rapid change, particularly with the rise of online platforms and the influence of major sporting events.

One third of adults gamble at least once a year

The most recent data indicates that approximately 34% of adults have participated in gambling at least once during the year. Among them, 7% report gambling every week. Men are significantly more likely to participate in gambling, and the most represented age group is between 45 and 54 years old.

Lotteries and traditional games still dominate

Despite the digital explosion, the most popular forms of gambling remain surprisingly traditional. Lotteries are by far the most popular, with around 32% of adults reporting that they participate in them. This is because they are easy to access, often inexpensive and perceived as relatively harmless.

Gambling in physical locations—casinos, slot machine halls, or retail outlets—also remains very popular. Around 29% of adults report having gambled offline during the year.

In 2018, around 10% of adults reported having gambled online during the year. Five years later, this proportion has almost doubled to 18%.

Major sporting events play a decisive role. During the 2024 European Football Championship, more than 108,000 new online player accounts were created. During this competition, bets reached considerable amounts: approximately €266 million was wagered online, compared to €58 million in physical outlets. A few weeks later, the Olympic Games also boosted activity. Bettors wagered around €104 million online and €23 million through traditional channels.

Young people’s first encounters with gambling

Gambling is not just for adults. Surveys conducted in schools provide an insight into the habits of teenagers.

The results show that some young people are already experimenting with gambling, even though the law restricts access to these activities. In recent school surveys, around 9% of pupils said they had bought a scratch card. Around 5% said they had taken part in a lottery and 5% had already placed sports bets.

However, researchers have observed an interesting trend. Young people’s participation in lotteries and scratch cards has declined compared to the previous decade, a sign that habits are changing.

When gambling becomes a risk

While the majority of players do not encounter any particular problems, experts remind us that gambling can have serious consequences. Studies estimate that around 3% of the adult population is at risk of gambling addiction. Young adults appear to be particularly vulnerable: among 18-24 year olds, the proportion of people at risk is around 6%.

Why is this age group more at risk? Experts cite several factors: higher impulsivity, easy access to betting apps and the widespread presence of gambling in the digital environment.

Specialists emphasise one key point: gambling problems do not stem from a single cause. According to researchers, they are the result of an interaction between several factors: the characteristics of the game itself, the psychological profile of the player and the social environment in which they live.

The design of games, for example, can influence player behaviour. Quick reward systems, phone notifications, and promotions can encourage repeated gaming sessions.

Personal factors—financial stress, social isolation, or thrill-seeking—can also increase the risk.

Finally, the environment plays a crucial role. The growing visibility of sports betting, particularly during international competitions, contributes to normalising these practices.

Between entertainment and public health issues

Public authorities and prevention organisations are increasingly questioning the social consequences of gambling.

Awareness campaigns are multiplying to remind people that gambling is not always as harmless as it seems. Researchers have recently recommended several measures to the government to treat gambling as a public health issue.