25% of Belgian Gamblers Use Unlicensed Sites

One in four Belgian gamblers is placing bets on unlicensed gambling platforms, bypassing national safeguards.

A recent study by the Belgian Association of Licensed Gaming Operators (BAGO) exposes the growing threat of the illegal gambling market.

The data highlights alarming levels of underage access, self-exclusion bypasses, and total absence of responsible gaming tools.

Without urgent reform, Belgium risks losing control of its gambling sector, leaving consumers unprotected and the market destabilized.

Belgium Faces Gambling Crisis as 25% of Players Turn to Illegal Platforms

Key Points

• 25% of Belgian gamblers use unlicensed websites, risking addiction and bypassing legal protections like EPIS and deposit limits.
• 47% of self-excluded players have resumed gambling on illegal platforms with no controls or responsible gaming obligations.
• Among 18–21-year-olds, 65% gamble illegally, with 97% recognizing at least one unlicensed brand, up from 50% pre-2024.

Illegal Gambling Surges in Belgium, Threatening Player Safety and Market Integrity

A comprehensive study commissioned by the Belgian Association of Licensed Gaming Operators (BAGO) has revealed a troubling trend: 25% of Belgian gamblers are using illegal, unlicensed gambling websites. This growing black market is not only undermining the country’s regulated gambling industry but is also placing thousands of vulnerable players at significant risk.

According to BAGO, these platforms operate entirely outside Belgium’s legal framework, failing to apply basic consumer protection measures such as age verification, deposit limits, or registration in the EPIS self-exclusion system. This lack of oversight allows problem gambling to thrive and exposes minors and excluded individuals to high-risk gaming environments.

Self-Exclusion Rendered Ineffective

Perhaps the most alarming finding in the report is the failure of the EPIS (Excluded Persons Information System) to protect those it was designed to help. Nearly 47% of self-excluded players have resumed gambling—not by re-entering the legal system, but by turning to illegal sites that ignore self-exclusion protocols altogether.

These unregulated operators offer no commitment to responsible gambling. They provide no safeguards, no loss limits, and no obligation to verify user identities. As a result, individuals who seek help by self-excluding are still able to gamble—just in a riskier, lawless environment.

Young Adults Flooding Illegal Platforms

Youth participation in unlicensed gambling is surging. Before Belgium raised the legal gambling age to 21 in 2024, just under half of males aged 18–21 admitted to gambling illegally. That number has now risen to a staggering 65%.

Even more shocking, 97% of these young men recognize at least one illegal brand, suggesting these platforms enjoy widespread brand recognition and market penetration, especially among tech-savvy young users.

This points to an urgent need for stronger enforcement against illegal advertising, payment processing, and digital access for rogue operators targeting vulnerable demographics.

BAGO Warns of Regulatory Failure

BAGO chairman Tom De Clercq issued a stark warning: “We are on a slippery slope. While licensed operators uphold strict rules and fund responsible gambling tools, illegal sites operate with total freedom.”

He continued: “If nothing is done, Belgium could lose control of its gambling industry—much like other European nations already struggling with illegal operators dominating the market.”

Emmanuel Mewissen, BAGO’s vice-chairman, echoed the concern. He stressed the importance of empowering the Belgian Gaming Commission as outlined in the current coalition agreement. This includes giving the Commission enhanced authority and resources to block illegal sites, fine unlicensed operators, and safeguard consumers more effectively.

Belgium’s gambling sector stands at a critical juncture. With a quarter of players now gambling illegally, regulatory efforts must evolve to meet the digital threat. BAGO’s findings make it clear: without swift action to block unlicensed sites, enforce age controls, and protect excluded individuals, Belgium risks undermining its own legal market and exposing thousands to harm. A more robust, well-funded Gaming Commission is essential to restoring balance, trust, and safety in the Belgian gambling ecosystem.

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