Illegal gambling in Belgium, a growing menace
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14 Dec 2023 •
Reading time: 3 minutes A recent report released by the Belgian Association of Gaming Operators (BAGO) reveals a worrying trend within Belgium’s gambling industry. Indeed, a survey conducted in June 2023 by Nepa on a representative sample of 1,005 Belgian gamblers unveiled that 20% of Belgian players engage in gambling on illegal platforms. This statistic raises serious questions about the regulation and control of the online gambling industry.
A growing Black Market
The survey, carried out by market research company Nepa for BAGO, brought to light several concerning facts.
Notably, 70% of respondents recognize an illegal casino when presented with a list of brands. Moreover, 43% of players considered vulnerable admitted to having gambled on illegal sites in the past three months. This recognition reflects the increasing notoriety of these illegal operators despite authorities’ efforts.
Disturbingly, half of the surveyed players declare considering playing on an illegal platform, even if they are aware of the site’s illegal status. This attitude raises questions about the perception and understanding of the risks associated with illegal operations.
The share of player spending going to illegal operators is estimated at 16%, a figure that highlights the magnitude of the problem. These data reveal a grim reality: despite regulations and efforts to channel players towards legal and controlled offerings, a significant portion of gambling activity takes place in the shadows, out of reach of player protection measures.
The Gambling Commission reacts
Faced with this situation, the Gaming Commission, the regulatory authority for gambling in Belgium, reacted by establishing a blacklist of unlicensed online casinos, inaccessible to Belgian players. However, this measure, though necessary, seems to be a drop in the ocean.
The Role of Government Measures
One of the primary causes of this shift towards illegality seems to be related to the strict measures imposed by the Belgian government on legal operators. Since July 1, 2023, there has been a ban on gambling advertising, a decision that, according to BAGO, could inadvertently favor illegal operators. These operators exploit regulatory loopholes to easily attract Belgian players via online advertisements, including on social media, disregarding existing laws and without offering player protection.
A Call for Collaboration
In this challenging context, BAGO calls for the recognition of legal operators as partners in the fight against problematic gambling behaviors. Instead of overburdening the legal offering with taxes and restrictions, the association emphasizes the importance of channeling players towards safe and controlled offerings. Monitoring player behavior and taking preventive measures are touted as the best guarantee against addiction.
Regulating Online Gambling
The current situation of online gambling in Belgium highlights a complex dilemma: how to effectively regulate an industry while protecting players and preventing the development of a thriving black market? The data from the BAGO survey are not only an alarm bell for the Belgian authorities but also a call for broader reflection on gambling policies and their impact.
While strict measures aim to regulate the sector, they seem to have unintended consequences by encouraging the growth of illegal gambling. BAGO calls for deeper reflection, more effective measures, and increased collaboration between legal operators and authorities to ensure a safe and responsible gaming environment for all Belgians.