Sports betting in 2024: BAGO calls for stronger measures against illegal sites
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30 Oct 2024 •
Reading time: 2 minutes Figures published by the Gaming Commission (GC) reveal a significant decline in sports betting in Belgium during the summer of 2024. Despite a season rich in major events such as the European Championship and the Paris Olympic Games, the report “Sports Summer 2024 in Figures” shows a decline in the number of active players and the total number of bets registered.
A general decline in sports betting
The report from the Gaming Commission highlights a decrease in new accounts, active players per day, as well as the total number of bets. Compared to the statistics for the 2022 World Cup, the summer of 2024 records a decline in engagement in sports betting, even during periods of high sporting activity.
Tom De Clercq, President of the Belgian Federation of Gaming Operators (BAGO), welcomes this development. According to him, the majority of players approached betting in a recreational and temporary manner.
“This decline shows the responsibility of licensed operators, who strive to promote healthy gaming practices. The data indicates a significant decline after the summer, which confirms that most only play during major competitions. We even anticipate an overall slowdown in the sports betting market this year.”
Tom De Clercq
A threat: illegal online gambling
This decrease in legal betting nevertheless highlights a growing concern around unauthorized online gambling platforms. According to the report, nearly 60% of online bets are made on unlicensed platforms. The proliferation of these sites poses serious challenges, as they attract more and more players, especially young people, thanks to aggressive marketing techniques and the influence of social networks.
Emmanuel Mewissen, Vice President of BAGO, warns against the dangers of these practices.
“Illegal operators exploit users’ lack of vigilance through life stories, influencer videos and well-known brands, often used without authorization.”
Emmanuel Mewissen
For BAGO, the urgent need is to act in the face of this unfair competition and the increased risks for vulnerable players.
Request for a solution to strengthen the legal sector
In order to counter this threat, BAGO advocates for stronger controls and increased regulation. Mewissen insists on the need for increased support for the Gaming Commission, as well as specific actions against financial transactions linked to illegal gambling.
“Only rigorous monitoring and a solid legal framework will be able to curb this rise in illegal supply.”
Emmanuel Mewissen
While the Gaming Commission and licensed operators are implementing new strategies to stem the problem, the issue of sports betting raises major challenges for the future of the sector. Alongside this fight, operators hope that responsible practices will continue to reduce the risks associated with gambling, thus protecting players while consolidating confidence in the legal market.