Interpol: “Illegal gambling is digital heroin” – a warning that also affects Belgium
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17 Mar 2026 •
Reading time: 2 minutes
Interpol bluntly labels illegal online casinos as “digital heroin”. Offshore platforms such as 22Bet and WinBay are rapidly conquering the European market through surreptitious advertising by reality stars, an aggressive model without age checks that is also forcing the Belgian Gaming Commission (GC) to implement stricter blocks.
Interpol sees growing industry of illegal gambling sites
In several European countries, the influence of online casinos without a license is growing rapidly. According to a recent documentary on the situation in Portugal, illegal operators now control more than 40 percent of the gambling market there.
This is not about a few obscure websites. Platforms such as 22Bet, WinBay, Leon, and Mostbet attract massive numbers of players without an official license. They use fast payment methods and aggressive online marketing to reach users.
Depositing often takes only a few seconds. This low entry barrier makes the platforms attractive to new players, especially when they are promoted via social media.
Reality stars risk heavy prison sentences for illegal surreptitious advertising
The documentary describes how well-known faces from reality shows such as Big Brother or Secret Story promote illegal gambling sites on their social channels.
According to the creators, some participants step almost directly from the TV studio into online advertising for casinos without a license. Through their reach, influencers can direct thousands of followers toward such platforms.
Authorities are reacting increasingly harshly. In Portugal, promoting illegal gambling sites can lead to severe criminal consequences. In some cases, those involved risk up to five years in prison.
Deposit in seconds, but withdrawing winnings proves impossible
The consequences of this lack of oversight are nothing short of devastating. On platforms like WinBay, players effortlessly lose their entire savings. Because mandatory identity checks at registration simply do not exist, even twelve-year-olds can deposit money unhindered.
Platforms such as Mostbet sometimes allow players to register within seconds, without identity checks or age verification.
Problems also arise with payouts. While depositing money is easy, withdrawals can get stuck in lengthy verification procedures. For example, players at 22Bet supposedly have to send videos with ID documents and handwritten statements before a withdrawal is processed.
Belgian regulator keeps a close eye on illegal gambling sites
Interpol’s warning also affects Belgium. The GC has seen for years how foreign gambling sites try to reach Belgian players without a license.
Such platforms are on the regulator’s blacklist. Because many of these companies operate outside Europe, enforcement remains a challenge. Therefore, Belgium also focuses on website blocks and strict supervision of advertising and promotion.
The comparison with “digital heroin” underlines, according to experts, how addictive and harmful illegal gambling platforms can be when control is lacking.