BAGO chairman Tom De Clercq on the future of the Belgian gambling industry

The Belgian Association of Gaming Operators (BAGO) is committed to responsible gambling and a legal gaming offer. The organization represents the licensed gaming operators in Belgium and wants to better protect players through innovative measures.

In this interview, we speak with Tom De Clercq, chairman of BAGO, about the challenges and future of the Belgian gambling sector.

Who is Tom De Clercq?

Tom, can you briefly introduce yourself and explain what your role is at BAGO?

Certainly! I am Tom De Clercq, chairman of BAGO, and have been active in the Belgian gambling sector for years. My mission is to promote responsible gambling and, together with our members and the government, to ensure a safe gaming environment.

What does BAGO do for player protection?

How does BAGO ensure that players can gamble responsibly?

We are committed to a safe and controlled gambling market. Our members offer a legal gaming offer and apply strict rules to protect players. In addition, we invest in education and awareness to inform gamblers about the risks.

How does BAGO work with the government?

How does the collaboration between BAGO and the Belgian government work?

We work closely with policymakers and share our expertise to draw up clear and fair gambling rules. Our advice is based on facts, data and international best practices. We want to be a reliable partner and contribute to legislation that really protects players.

The biggest problems for legal gambling companies

What do you think are the biggest challenges for licensed gambling companies in Belgium?

One of the biggest problems is the illegal supply. Players can go to unlicensed gambling sites with a few clicks, which makes monitoring difficult. In addition, there is a lack of a strong, independent regulator that can quickly respond to changes in the market. This creates unfair competition between private providers and the National Lottery.

How does BAGO help with responsible gambling?

What does BAGO do to prevent problematic gambling behavior?

Our members have a duty of care and use technologies to identify risk players at an early stage. AI and machine learning help us identify problematic behaviour, so that we can intervene in time. In addition, we invest in education and prevention programmes.

The future of gambling in Belgium

Online gambling is growing enormously. What does the future of the sector look like?

Online gambling will continue to grow, but it is crucial that players choose a legal and controlled platform. We advocate for legislation that is based on facts and scientific research, so that we can guarantee a safe and fair market.

Why are not all gambling companies members of BAGO?

Some gambling companies are not members of BAGO. Why is that?

Some parties find the costs too high or do not want to adhere to our strict rules. We want to make membership more accessible, but player protection remains our priority. That is why we set high standards for our members.

How does BAGO inform players about responsible gambling?

How does BAGO ensure that players are well-informed about gambling?

We share best practices and advice with policymakers and the market. Our goal is to make players aware of both the risks and benefits of legal gambling. Good information helps gamblers to make responsible choices.

What does BAGO do against illegal gambling practices?

How does BAGO combat illegal gambling sites?

We report illegal practices to the Gaming Commission and advocate for stricter enforcement. In addition, we work together with the healthcare sector and policymakers to create awareness about the risks of illegal gambling.

What motivates Tom De Clercq?

What drives you personally to commit yourself to responsible gambling?

I believe in a safe gaming environment and value creation for society. My goal is to build a bridge between the sector, regulators and healthcare. Together we can work on a fair and transparent gambling market in Belgium.