Account hacking: police sound the alarm 

Alex D.

• 30 Oct 2026 • Reading time: 3 minutes

In Belgium, online betting accounts are attracting cybercriminals because of the personal information and financial transactions associated with them. Faced with the risks of hacking and financial losses, the Belgian Federal Police are urging players to strengthen their account security. 

Player accounts have become targets for hackers 

Online betting attracts a significant number of Belgians. According to figures from the Belgian Gaming Commission, approximately 500,000 player accounts were active on licensed betting websites in June 2026. 

However, this popularity also attracts cybercriminals. Each account may contain personal information and provide access to financial transactions. These are all valuable targets for hackers. 

In a statement published on October 29, 2026, the Belgian Federal Police confirmed that unauthorised individuals had already managed to gain access to certain player accounts. The consequences can be serious, particularly from a financial perspective. 

A reused password can compromise multiple accounts 

One of the main vulnerabilities involves passwords. To make them easier to remember, some internet users reuse the same login credentials across several platforms. This is a particularly risky habit. 

When a cybercriminal obtains an email address and password combination from one website, they can attempt to use it to access other accounts belonging to the same person. A single compromised password can therefore put several accounts at risk, including an online betting account. 

To reduce this risk, the Belgian Federal Police recommend using a different password for each account. They also advise using a password manager to store login credentials securely. 

Another essential precaution is to enable two-factor authentication, both for the password manager and on betting platforms that offer this feature. This additional layer of protection makes unauthorised access considerably more difficult. 

Fraudulent messages that appear genuine 

Hackers do not only attempt to steal passwords. They can also exploit personal information obtained through data breaches. 

This information allows them to create more convincing fraudulent messages, particularly when those messages concern a player’s account. 

An email referring to a betting account may appear legitimate when it is actually a phishing attempt designed to deceive the recipient. The risk is particularly high when a message encourages someone to click a link or share their login credentials. 

How can you recognise a fraud attempt? Above all, the Belgian Federal Police recommend being cautious about unexpected messages, even when they appear to concern a service you actually use. 

Rather than following a link received by email or message, it is better to visit the platform’s official website directly to check your account. This precaution helps prevent users from unintentionally sharing their login information with malicious individuals. 

Illegal betting sites: protection is no longer guaranteed 

Protecting login credentials is not the only concern. Choosing the right betting platform also plays a crucial role. 

In Belgium, the Gaming Commission is responsible for supervising the gambling sector and issuing licences to authorised operators. Legal websites must comply with regulations designed to protect players. They can notably be identified by the Commission’s official logo, accompanied by a message encouraging legal gambling. 

By contrast, people who use illegal platforms do not benefit from the same safeguards. The Belgian Gaming Commission specifically states that it cannot intervene when a player encounters payment problems or account restrictions on an illegal website.