“We are particularly concerned” — unrest over gambling apps among youth grows in Belgium too
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16 May 2026 •
Reading time: 3 minutes
Online gambling is increasingly found in the pockets of young users. What is currently leading to political unrest in the United States is sounding more and more familiar in Belgium. Especially the combination of sports betting, gambling apps, and aggressive advertising is causing growing concerns about young people coming into contact with gambling at an early age.
This week, American politicians sent a letter to major gambling companies such as Bet365, DraftKings, FanDuel, Kalshi, and Polymarket. They are demanding explanations regarding addiction risks, advertisements targeting young users, and the rapid growth of prediction markets. The discussion is also gaining attention in Europe because the same trends are visible: for many young people, gambling feels increasingly normal.
Politicians fear gambling is becoming part of daily life
The American letter focuses primarily on mobile gambling apps. Through these platforms, users place a bet within seconds. According to politicians, many apps deliberately resemble social media, lowering the threshold for young users.
This point also resonates in Belgium. Gambling advertisements around football, cycling, and other major sporting moments remain visible on social media, streaming platforms, and sports websites. Consequently, the line between entertainment and gambling is blurring rapidly.
In the American letter, politicians cite examples of advertisements suggesting that gambling can solve financial problems. One user even claimed to pay rent with winnings from prediction markets. Such messages cause extra concern because young people are more sensitive to quick promises and risky behavior.
Prediction markets face increasing criticism
Prediction markets, in particular, are under fire. These are platforms where users speculate on events via “contracts” or “trades.” Critics believe these terms make the risks sound softer than classic betting.
American politicians warn that users can incur large losses more quickly on such platforms. Some companies have since introduced additional protection measures, but according to experts, many systems only intervene once problems are already visible.
This discussion is also being followed outside the United States. The rapid growth of digital gambling platforms is raising questions in several places about control, protection of young users, and the role of advertising.
Young people remain the primary target group
Research in the United States shows that men between 18 and 24 years old use gambling apps much more frequently than the rest of the population. Some young people even start before the legal age.
For years, researchers have linked problematic gambling to debt, anxiety, depression, and problems at school. Politicians fear that mobile apps amplify these risks because gambling is always accessible and no longer feels like exceptional behavior.
In the coming weeks, American politicians will continue talks with representatives from the gambling sector. The outcome of these discussions may also receive attention in Europe now that concerns about online gambling among young people are becoming increasingly widespread.