Half of Belgium still betting despite recent crackdown, study reveals
A new government-commissioned study has revealed that sports betting remains widespread among Belgian youth, even after the country introduced stricter gambling rules. The research, carried out by Belgian market on behalf of the Belgian Gaming Commission (KSC), focused on gambling habits among people aged 18 to 30.
The study comes in the wake of two key legal changes: a ban on most gambling advertising, introduced in July 2023, and the increase in the legal gambling age from 18 to 21, which took effect in September 2024.
Despite these measures, 53 percent of respondents said they had placed bets or participated in games of chance since the new rules came into effect. Sports betting remained the most popular form of gambling, highlighting the challenge regulators face in curbing betting activity among young adults.
Sports betting dominant in market
The research surveyed 1,001 people across Belgium between 17 and 30 April 2025. Participants were selected to represent the country’s demographics by age, gender, and region. Among the most notable findings was a significant drop in sports betting participation among 18 to 20-year-olds, who are now legally prohibited from gambling.
In this age group, participation fell from 51 percent in 2023 to 39 percent in 2025—a clear sign that the age restriction is having some effect, though enforcement challenges remain. For the broader 18 to 30 age range, gambling frequency varied. While 47 percent said they had not gambled since September 2024, 30 percent identified as occasional bettors. Thirteen percent said they bet weekly, and a further 10 percent admitted to daily betting activity.
The study also revealed that licensed betting platforms still dominate, with 84 percent of respondents who gambled doing so through legal channels. However, 28 percent admitted to having used unlicensed platforms, and 8 percent said they only used unlicensed websites—raising concerns about the reach of offshore betting services.
Unibet and Casino777 most recognised
Recognition of both licensed and unlicensed betting sites was high. Unibet, Napoleon Games, and Casino777 topped the list of recognised licensed brands, while Stake and bet365 were the most familiar unlicensed names.
Social influence played a major role in young people’s platform choices. Recommendations from friends were the leading factor, cited by 32 percent of respondents, followed by exposure via social media and televised advertising.
The Belgian Gaming Commission said it will continue monitoring the situation closely. While early signs suggest some success in reducing underage participation, the continued popularity of sports betting, particularly online, suggests that further efforts may be necessary in the future to protect vulnerable groups.
