Dutch survey: 57% of gamblers are unaware they are gambling illegally
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24 Mar 2026 •
Reading time: 3 minutes
A Dutch survey reveals that the majority of gamblers do not realise they are using illegal platforms. Behind professional interfaces and attractive promises, these sites blur the lines and perpetuate lasting confusion.
A well-established illusion of legality
A majority of gamblers are unaware that they are using illegal platforms. According to a recent survey, 57% of users of unauthorised gambling sites are completely unaware that they are operating outside the legal framework.
For many users, the experience is no different from that of a legal site. Payments work, winnings are sometimes paid out, and marketing is everywhere. The line between legal and illegal becomes blurred.
Widespread ignorance of the regulatory framework
The crux of the problem lies in a lack of information. Many players are unaware of the rules governing online gambling in their country. They do not know which operators are authorised or how to verify a site’s legality. Beyond the legal aspect, the dangers are very real. Lack of player protection, risks of fraud, no recourse in the event of a dispute… the consequences can be severe.
Some players interviewed as part of the survey claim they never thought to check whether the sites were legal. Others admit to having relied on advertising or online recommendations.
Illegal operators exploit this lack of knowledge. They invest heavily in digital marketing, targeting players via social media, search engines and influencers. Their aim is to appear as credible as regulated platforms. They often use bonuses, promises of quick wins, and the absence of deposit limits. These are all arguments that appeal to players, but which mask a far less rosy reality.
In reality, these offers are misleading. Withdrawal conditions can be opaque, or even impossible to meet. Some players report difficulties in retrieving their winnings, or even having their accounts blocked without explanation.
The consequences for players
Gambling on an illegal site is not without risks. Unlike regulated platforms, these sites do not guarantee the protection of personal data or the fairness of games.
Players may also find themselves with no recourse in the event of a dispute. If a site refuses to pay out winnings, it is often impossible to take effective legal action.
Added to this is an increased risk of addiction. Illegal sites are not subject to the prevention obligations imposed on legal operators. They can therefore encourage excessive gambling behaviour without any oversight.
The fact that 57% of players on illegal sites are unaware of their situation is a strong warning sign. It reveals a gap in information, but also in the perception of risk.
The situation in Belgium
In Belgium, a study commissioned by the Gaming Commission shows that, whilst authorised sites remain widely recognised (up to 94% of young adults can identify at least one with assistance), a significant proportion continue to use unlicensed platforms.
Nearly 28% of young Belgian gamblers say they have used an illegal site at least once, with 8% doing so exclusively, proof that unregulated offerings remain genuinely attractive. Even more worrying is that only a minority are able to clearly distinguish a legal site from an illegal one, revealing a persistent lack of information.