Belgian trade body finds half of young men use black market sites
Research, conducted by Belgian Association of Gaming Operators, also finds 85% of young people can recognise unlicensed bookmakers, compared to just 15% for licensed operators
A Belgian Association of Gaming Operators (BAGO) report has claimed that almost half of young men aged between 18 and 21 play with black market operators.
The study was conducted prior to the recent law change in Belgium, which saw the minimum age for gambling increase from 18 to 21, with the trade body calling the findings “particularly worrying”.
The research period ran from 12 August until the end of the month.
Having been in effect since 1 September, the increase in the minimum gambling age covers all verticals and has long been called for by BAGO, which consists of GAMING1 parent company Ardent Group as well as BetFirst, Golden Palace, Napoleon and Star Casino.
Findings from the study showed that – when asked what operator comes to mind when thinking of online gambling – 29% of males aged between 18 and 21 named an unlicensed bookmaker.
Among the general population, recognition of black market operators is considerably less, just 4%.
The study also presented survey participants with a list of brands and found 85% of young people were able to identify an unlicensed operator, compared to just 15% for licensed bookmakers.
Analysing how those aged between 18 and 21 found illegal gambling sites, 31% said they discovered them via social media, while 26% cited sports sponsorship as the main factor.
BAGO vice-president and GAMING1 CEO Emmanuel Mewissen said: “The high recognition of illegal gambling operators among young men aged 18 to 21 is mainly due to the power of social networks.
“You only have to open your social networking application and you are overwhelmed by advertisements for illegal gambling sites. These unlicensed gaming brands are omnipresent on these channels, which are particularly popular with young people.”
Tom De Clercq, BAGO chairman, expressed his concern this trend has become widespread before the pending change to minimum gambling age laws is implemented.
He said: “This is particularly worrying. Young people under 21 should no longer play at licensed operators, and rightly so. But even before the ban, almost half were already in the illegal circuit. This proves that illegal sites represent a real social problem.
“Due to the strict age controls of licensed operators and their efforts in terms of player protection, young people are turning to illegal sites. It is crucial that the fight against illegal gambling sites is stepped up to stop this development.”
BAGO’s report, which was released in tandem with European Safer Gambling Week, said a lack of player protections in the illegal sector were a significant issue.
In contrast, the trade body noted that Belgium’s licensed operators use “advanced AI systems” to identify potentially problematic gambling behaviours and intervene if deemed necessary.