Belgian trade association reports decline in underage gambling

Garance Limouzy September 24, 2024

The Belgian Association of Gaming Operators (BAGO) has shared new data regarding a positive shift in underage gambling habits. Recent figures released by the Flemish Center of Expertise on Alcohol and Other Drugs (VAD) show a slight decrease in the percentage of young people participating in gambling activities. However, BAGO declares that it is still calling for more stringent regulatory measures to safeguard young people under 18.

In 2023, 12.4% of youth reported betting on sports events, a minor drop from the previous year’s figure of 12.5%. A similar decline was seen in youth casino gambling, with participation falling from 5.5% in 2022 to 5.3% in 2023. These statistics point to a stabilisation in underage involvement in gambling despite the data being collected before the introduction of stricter advertising regulations and an increase in the legal gambling age.

Belgian black market

However, youth participation in some gambling activities remains concerningly high, explains BAGO. The association recalls that many underage individuals are accessing illegal gambling sites or engaging in physical lottery products rather than using regulated platforms, where strict age verification measures are enforced.

The Belgian market continues to face a significant issue with unlicensed operators, who account for around 60% of the national gambling market, according to recent reports. This, BAGO argues, makes it difficult to ensure young people are effectively excluded from gambling activities, especially in unregulated environments where safeguards are lacking.

To address this, BAGO calls for stronger enforcement from the Belgian Gaming Commission, which must be adequately resourced to fight illegal gambling. Without effective oversight, minors can gamble without any form of protection, explains the association.

Extending the age restriction

Additionally, BAGO points to the inconsistency in regulations, noting that the recent increase in the legal gambling age to 21 does not apply to all lottery products, an issue they urge the government to rectify. Equal protection across all gambling platforms, BAGO argues, is essential for ensuring the safety of underage people.

In a statement, BAGO’s president, Tom De Clercq, said, “It is high time the government takes decisive action to protect minors by treating all forms of gambling equally and cracking down on the illegal gambling circuit.”

A newly implemented regulation

BAGO has long supported raising the legal gambling age and continues to back initiatives aimed at reinforcing youth protection. As of September 1, 2024, Belgium has implemented a uniform minimum gambling age of 21. This regulation, part of a legislative effort passed earlier this year, brings consistency to the country’s gambling laws, which previously set different age limits for various activities. While the minimum age for casino gaming and slot machines was already 21, Belgians could place bets at 18. However, the National Lottery is not affected by the age restriction.