Belgium’s BAGO Demands Action to Crush Illegal Gambling Market

Imagine a dark corner of Belgium’s betting scene: illicit websites luring players with zero safeguards.
The Belgian Association of Gaming Operators (BAGO) now demands urgent measures against the black market.
Picture a world where regulators wield stronger tools, ensuring player protection, ethical standards, and fair competition.
Join BAGO’s call, support firm reforms, and help reclaim Belgium’s gambling landscape from illegal operators today.

BAGO’s Rallying Cry: Crush Belgium’s Illegal Gambling Black Market Now

3 Key Points:

1. BAGO urges the Belgian Gaming Commission to gain more resources and combat illegal gambling.
2. Unlicensed platforms outnumber regulated sites, exposing players to unchecked risks and undermining responsible gambling.
3. Stricter laws, bans on bonuses, and age limit increases align with BAGO’s plea for a safer, well-regulated market.

The Belgian Association of Gaming Operators (BAGO) has intensified calls for immediate and concrete measures to eliminate Belgium’s rampant illegal gambling sector. Despite the existence of 22 licensed operators adhering to strict regulations, unlicensed platforms continue to lure players, particularly young people, into unregulated environments without basic protections.

BAGO’s plea follows a recent investigation by the Belgian newspaper Het Laatste Nieuws. According to their findings, half of the top 10 most visited gambling websites in Belgium operate without the appropriate licenses. This revelation emerges against a backdrop of over 2,000 illegal sites identified by market monitor Yield Sec. Although the Belgian Gaming Commission has managed to block 564 of these platforms, this represents only a fraction of the total black market presence.

While Belgium boasts a well-established regulatory framework, these unlicensed operators function outside the law. They flout age restrictions, fail to offer any tools for player protection, and undermine the spirit of responsible gambling. Moreover, they deprive the government of crucial tax revenues and create an unfair playing field, weakening the credibility of the overall market.

BAGO’s latest appeal calls upon policymakers to grant the Belgian Gaming Commission more muscle. The association insists on enhanced enforcement capabilities, additional funding, and a revised approach to identify and eliminate illegal operators quickly. BAGO also underlines the importance of collaboration among all stakeholders—licensed operators, regulators, and lawmakers—to foster a safer, more ethical gaming environment.

Last month, BAGO chair Tom De Clercq already stressed the urgency of addressing these issues. The situation has now reached a tipping point. Although the government introduced new responsible gambling measures in September—banning incentives like bonuses and free bets, raising the minimum gambling age to 21, and reinforcing advertising restrictions—concerns persist that illicit operators continue to evade these regulations. Indeed, attempts to circumvent the ban through stealth marketing and fake “news” platforms have already surfaced.

The shift toward stricter legislation began under former Minister of Justice Vincent Van Quickenborne, who initiated a phased approach to banning gambling advertising. By 2028, gambling sponsorships in professional sports clubs will cease altogether. Yet, these measures alone cannot stem the tide of unregulated gambling websites. The black market thrives in secrecy, exploiting gaps in enforcement and capitalizing on weaknesses in the system.

This situation poses severe consequences for vulnerable players. Without proper checks, young individuals risk exposure to addictive behaviors and financial harm. The necessity of reform becomes even clearer when considering that licensed operators follow strict rules and guidelines. They provide safer gambling tools, adhere to responsible gaming principles, and contribute to state coffers through taxes. In contrast, unlicensed platforms remain a scourge, eroding consumer trust and tarnishing the industry’s reputation.

The time to act is now. BAGO’s call for concrete measures to tackle Belgium’s illegal gambling market resonates with urgency. Strengthening the Belgian Gaming Commission, enhancing regulatory collaboration, and enforcing stricter controls can restore balance. By doing so, Belgium can protect its players, preserve fair competition, and ensure that all gaming operations reflect the highest ethical and responsible standards. The path to a cleaner, safer, and more transparent market lies in unified action and unwavering determination.