BAGO Calls for Stricter Measures Against Black-Market

Nearly 50% of Belgian men aged 18-21 are engaging with illegal gambling sites, bypassing licensed operators’ safeguards.

A study commissioned by BAGO reveals the alarming scale of black-market gambling fueled by social media and sports sponsorships.

BAGO is calling for stricter action, including cutting off financial flows and launching awareness campaigns to curb illegal gambling.

Discover how these measures could protect young players and restore trust in Belgium’s regulated gambling market.

BAGO Demands Stronger Action to Combat Belgium’s Growing Black-Market Gambling Problem

Key Points:

1. Black-Market Influence: Nearly half of Belgian men aged 18-21 engage with illegal gambling sites, posing serious risks to player safety.
2. Driving Factors: Social media ads and sports sponsorships amplify the visibility and appeal of unlicensed operators.
3. BAGO’s Call to Action: Stricter enforcement, targeted campaigns, and financial disruption are essential to curb illegal gambling in Belgium.

BAGO Sounds Alarm Over Black-Market Gambling in Belgium

The Belgian Association of Gaming Operators (BAGO) is urging authorities to adopt stricter measures to combat the rise of illegal gambling sites. This call to action follows a study revealing that nearly 50% of Belgian men aged 18-21 are already engaging with unlicensed gambling platforms.

The study, conducted shortly before Belgium raised the legal gambling age to 21 in September 2023, paints a worrying picture of young players flocking to black-market operators. These sites exploit the lack of safeguards and regulations to attract vulnerable demographics, posing significant risks to player well-being.

Shocking Statistics Highlight the Problem

BAGO’s research underscores the alarming influence of illegal gambling sites among young Belgians.

• 29% of men aged 18-21 named an illegal site as the first gambling brand that came to mind.
• 59% could recall multiple illegal gambling brands, while 85% recognized at least one unlicensed operator.
• By comparison, only 15% of respondents identified licensed operators.

These findings demonstrate the dominance of unlicensed platforms in the minds of younger players, further amplified by aggressive advertising and social media campaigns.

The Role of Social Media and Sports Sponsorship

One of the key factors driving young players toward illegal gambling sites is the persuasive power of social media and sports sponsorships.

The study revealed:

• 31% of younger players discovered illegal gambling sites through social media ads.
• 26% encountered these platforms via sports sponsorships.

BAGO’s vice-chairman, Emmanuel Mewissen, criticized the overwhelming presence of illegal gambling ads on social media:

“You only have to open your social media app, and you’re overwhelmed by ads from illegal gambling sites. These unlicensed brands dominate these channels.”

The Risks of Unlicensed Operators

Unlike licensed operators regulated by the Belgian Gaming Commission, illegal sites operate without player protections.

Key concerns include:

1. No Age Verification: Illegal sites fail to verify player ages, enabling access for minors.
2. No Self-Exclusion Tools: Players cannot opt out of gambling on these platforms.
3. No Responsible Gaming Measures: Licensed operators use AI systems to monitor and mitigate problematic behavior, which illegal sites ignore.
4. Increased Addiction Risks: The lack of safeguards heightens the likelihood of gambling addiction.

Tom De Clercq (pictured above), BAGO chair, warned:

“These platforms not only increase the risk of gambling addiction but also undermine confidence in a safe, regulated gambling market.”

Proposed Measures to Combat Illegal Gambling

To address these challenges, BAGO has outlined several strategies:

1. Targeted Awareness Campaigns: Educating players, particularly younger audiences, about the risks of unlicensed gambling.
2. Stronger Enforcement: Cracking down on illegal operators through enhanced monitoring and penalties.
3. Financial Disruption: Cutting off payment channels to illegal sites to limit their operations.
4. Fact-Based Policies: Creating data-driven gambling regulations that adapt to emerging threats.

De Clercq emphasized the importance of these measures, stating:

“This is not just a regulatory issue; it’s a social problem that demands immediate action.”

The rise of illegal gambling sites in Belgium highlights the urgent need for stricter regulations and proactive measures. BAGO has sounded the alarm, emphasizing the risks these platforms pose to young players and the broader gambling ecosystem.

By implementing targeted awareness campaigns, cutting off financial flows to unlicensed operators, and strengthening enforcement, Belgium can protect vulnerable players and restore confidence in its regulated gambling market.

As the gambling landscape evolves, collaboration between regulators, operators, and policymakers will be crucial in ensuring a safe and sustainable gaming environment. For Belgium, decisive action now could safeguard the future of responsible gaming for generations to come.