The Belgian Association of Gaming Operators (BAGO) has called on authorities in the country to take a stricter approach to illegal gambling websites after new research revealed almost half young men aged 18-21 are gambling with unlicensed operators.
Commissioned by BAGO, the research took place prior to new rules being introduced on the minimum gambling age in Belgium. As of 1 September this year, players must be at least 21 to participate in legal gambling.
Age requirements for sports betting, arcades and bingo have now been raised to be in line with land-based casinos. Since 2018, players have had to be 21 to gamble at casinos across Belgium.
However, research flagged almost half of men aged 18-21 in Belgium were gambling with illegal operators before the law became effective. This, in essence, meant the new regulations would not have impacted their activities on illegal sites, which are not bound by the same rules as licensed operators.
Furthermore, the research suggests awarene..