The new minimum age for gaming is being disregarded by illicit gambling websites, according to a warning from the trade association BAGO.
Belgium The incidence of underage gaming on unauthorized websites has prompted a warning from the Belgian Association of Gaming Operators (BAGO). According to studies it commissioned, young males in particular are circumventing age limits by utilizing unauthorized websites.
Beginning in September, Belgium raised the legal gambling age from 18 to 21, bringing internet gaming into compliance with physical casinos. BAGO has cautioned, meanwhile, that the measure would not affect the quantity of children who gamble on unauthorized websites. According to its data, half of male gamblers between the ages of 18 and 21 were using unlicensed operators prior to the shift.
This age group seemed to be especially aware of illicit gambling websites. When asked whose brand comes to mind when they gamble online, 29% of respondents said an illegal operation. For gamblers of all ages, that amounts to only 4%. Only 15% of young gamblers recognized regulated businesses when presented with a list of gambling brands, but 85% of them recognized an unregistered site.
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Nearly one-third of respondents claimed to have learned about illegal gambling options via social media, and 26% claimed to have discovered the websites as a result of sports sponsorships.
According to BAGO chairman Tom De Clercq, the study demonstrated the need of taking action against unlawful gaming. “This demonstrates that illicit websites are a significant social issue,” he added. Young people are using unauthorized websites because licensed providers enforce stringent age checks and place a high priority on player security. To halt this trend, the strategy against illicit gaming websites must be strengthened.
“These platforms erode trust in a safe, regulated gambling market in addition to raising the risk of gambling addiction,” he continued. Therefore, BAGO supports focused awareness programs, a fact-based gambling policy, a tougher stance against unlawful websites, and steps to stop funding these providers.
BAGO has also proposed that lottery sales be subject to the new minimum gambling age. Since the September update, this vertical is the only one that still requires a minimum age of 18.
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