The Belgian Association of Gaming Operators (BAGO) has released new data indicating a positive trend in underage gambling habits. According to recent figures from the Flemish Center of Expertise on Alcohol and Other Drugs (VAD), there has been a slight decrease in the percentage of young people engaging in gambling activities. Despite this progress, BAGO is advocating for stricter regulatory measures to protect individuals under 18.
In 2023, 12.4% of youth reported betting on sports events, a minor decrease from 12.5% the previous year. Participation in youth casino gambling also saw a decline, dropping from 5.5% in 2022 to 5.3% in 2023. These figures suggest a stabilization in underage gambling, although they were collected prior to the implementation of stricter advertising regulations and an increase in the legal gambling age.
BAGO has expressed concern that youth participation in certain gambling activities remains alarmingly high. Many underage individuals are reportedly accessing illegal gambling sites or participating in physical lottery products rather than using regulated platforms, where age verification measures are strictly enforced.
The presence of unlicensed operators remains a significant challenge in the Belgian market, accounting for approximately 60% of the national gambling sector. BAGO argues that this makes it difficult to effectively prevent minors from gambling, particularly in unregulated environments lacking proper safeguards.
To combat this issue, BAGO is calling for stronger enforcement from the Belgian Gaming Commission, which needs adequate resources to address illegal gambling. The association stresses that without effective oversight, minors are left unprotected. BAGO also highlights inconsistencies in regulations, particularly regarding the recent increase in the legal gambling age to 21, which does not apply uniformly to all lottery products. They urge the government to rectify this discrepancy, asserting that equal protection across all gambling platforms is crucial for safeguarding young people.
BAGO President Tom De Clercq stated, “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.”
BAGO has long supported raising the legal gambling age and continues to back initiatives aimed at enhancing youth protection. As of September 1, 2024, Belgium will implement a uniform minimum gambling age of 21. This regulation, part of recent legislative efforts, aims to standardize the country’s gambling laws, which previously had varying age limits for different activities. While the minimum age for casino gaming and slot machines was already set at 21, individuals could previously place bets at 18. However, the National Lottery remains unaffected by this age restriction.