BAGO Study Reveals Worrying Trend: 1 in 4 Belgian Gamblers Use Illegal Gambling Sites

Brussels, August 27, 2025 – The Belgian Association of Gaming Operators (BAGO) has released findings from a new study, revealing that 25% of players in Belgium gamble on illegal websites, highlighting a growing threat to consumer protection and the regulated gambling framework in the country.

The study further reveals that 47% of self-excluded players return to gambling via unlicensed offshore sites—drawn by their ease of access and lack of player safeguards.

Key Findings:

1 in 4 players in Belgium access gambling via illegal websites

47% of self-excluded players return to gambling through unregulated platforms

65% of men aged 18–21 report gambling illegally

97% of young male players recognize at least one offshore brand

Call for Regulatory Reform

BAGO warns that Belgium risks losing control of its gambling market unless urgent action is taken. Chairman Tom De Clercq noted that “more and more people, especially young and vulnerable groups, end up in an illegal circuit without rules, without control, and without protection.”

Vice-Chairman Emmanuel Mewissen emphasized the need for expanded regulatory authority:

The organization is urging Belgian lawmakers to:

Empower the national gambling regulator with a broader legal mandate

Crack down on illegal operators and advertising from offshore brands

Rebalance the market by making legal gambling more attractive and competitive

Industry Insight: A Market Failure, Not Just a Legal Issue

Matej Novota, Head of Research at Casino Guru, commented:

BAGO’s study underscores the urgent need to reform regulatory structures, modernize consumer protection tools, and adopt a holistic approach to player behavior, ensuring Belgium’s gambling market remains safe, sustainable, and competitive.