Belgium warns illegal gambling surge undermines player protection

Summary

Market data from the Belgian Association of Gaming Operators (BAGO) shows that more than two-thirds of online gambling traffic for Belgium’s most visited sites is being routed to unlicensed operators. That shift is eroding player protections: users who turn to the black market miss Belgian supervision, safeguards and social support mechanisms.

Belgium’s channelling policy — which aims to direct gambling to licensed sites — is under strain. Young adults are especially exposed: data suggests around 65% of male gamblers aged 18–21 now use unlicensed sites. These platforms often skip age verification and push aggressive bonus offers, heightening risk for younger players. Nearly 47% of people on Belgium’s excluded-players list (EPIS) reportedly continue to gamble via unlicensed operators, undermining a core consumer-protection tool.

The economic impact is material: about 23% of total gambling spend in Belgium flows to illegal operators, who do not pay gaming taxes or contribute to prevention and addiction-support programmes. EU-wide studies estimate €10–12bn in annual gross gaming revenue comes from unlicensed operators targeting EU consumers (roughly 10–15% of the online market). Similar trends are visible in the Netherlands and Germany, where tighter consumer rules have coincided with growth in the black market.

Researchers point to structural drivers: unlicensed sites offer lower friction (no deposit limits or affordability checks), larger bonuses, faster withdrawals and broad acceptance of crypto and alternative payments. Blocked domains often reappear under new names, limiting the effectiveness of site-blocking alone. In response, BAGO members have launched a Duty of Care Charter, using tech to detect risky patterns (changes in stakes, longer night-time sessions) combined with trained staff outreach. BAGO sets three policy priorities: strengthen enforcement powers to block sites and disrupt payments; assess how new rules affect channelling; and ensure consistent rules across market participants to preserve clarity and protection.

Key Points

Over two-thirds of online gambling traffic for Belgium’s top sites is heading to unlicensed operators, per BAGO.
About 65% of male gamblers aged 18–21 are reported to use unlicensed sites, which often skip age checks and push heavy bonuses.
Nearly 47% of self-excluded players listed in EPIS continue gambling on illegal platforms, undermining exclusion measures.
Approximately 23% of Belgian gambling expenditure flows to illegal operators who do not pay taxes or fund prevention services.
EU studies estimate €10–12bn in annual GGR from unlicensed operators targeting EU consumers (10–15% of the online market).
Drivers of black-market growth include no deposit limits, faster withdrawals, crypto payments and rapid domain reappearances after blocks.
BAGO members are adopting a Duty of Care Charter combining behavioural-detection technology with proactive player engagement; policy asks include stronger enforcement, impact assessment of regulations on channelling, and consistent rules.

Why should I read this?

Short version: if you work in iGaming, regulation, payments or player protection — this matters. The black market is eating licensed traffic, weakening protections and cutting tax and prevention funding. The piece flags where regulators and operators will likely focus next, and what industry changes could follow. We read it so you don’t have to — but you should.