Why 20% of 18- to 20-year-olds bet illegally in Belgium
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15 Sep 2025 •
Reading time: 3 minutes In Belgium, the increase in the legal age for gambling to 21, which came into force in September 2024, was intended to protect the very young. But a survey has already revealed an unexpected effect: many 18-20 year-olds are circumventing the law by turning to illegal sites, where there is no control.
A legal turn towards illegality
Since 1 September 2024, Belgium has amended its online gambling regulations by raising the minimum legal age for all gambling to 21, whereas previously sports betting was authorised from the age of 18. This decision was aimed at curbing young adults’ access to offers deemed risky, in particular combination betting and live betting, considered more likely to generate impulsive or problematic behaviour.
However, a survey conducted by DataSynergy on behalf of the Gaming Commission reveals an unexpected and worrying phenomenon: a significant proportion of young people aged between 18 and 20 continue to place bets, many of them on illegal platforms.
Revealing figures: the extent of the phenomenon
Prior to the change in the law, approximately 30,000 18-20 year olds registered with legal online casinos each year. After the legal age was raised, the study shows that 40% of those who were affected are still playing, but on unlicensed sites.
BAGO claims that 65% of young men in this age group now play at unlicensed operators.
Magali Clavie, President of the GC:
‘Our figures show that over 20% of gamblers aged 18-20 are taking part in illegal gambling.’
Advertising, circumvention and the challenges of enforcement
Alongside the increase in the legal age, Belgium has introduced almost a total ban on gambling advertising since 2023, with additional measures concerning sports sponsorship from 2025.
But illegal operators, according to the GC, are finding ways around these bans. Some use new brands or logos, while others distribute content via social media or send messages (emails, SMS) to recruit. The names and images of legal platforms are sometimes usurped. Control is proving difficult, particularly in terms of distinguishing between legitimate information and disguised advertising.
Towards structural reform and international cooperation
Faced with the growing scale of the phenomenon, the GC is preparing a fundamental reform: from January 2026, it will be attached to the Ministry of the Economy, which should provide it with more resources and greater independence.
International collaboration is also considered essential. This year, Magali Clavie became vice-president of GREF (the European network of remote gambling regulators) and the Belgian commission signed an agreement with the Irish regulator (GRAI) to coordinate action against illegal operators.
The Belgian experience shows that tightening the legal rules without ensuring enforcement and without offering alternatives or sufficient education can push some young adults towards illegal gambling. While the intention remains protective, implementation must be holistic: the legal age, advertising, human resources, surveillance and international cooperation must go hand in hand.