28% of youth access unlicensed operators despite high awareness of legal options
A newly released 2025 survey by DataSynergy, commissioned by the Belgian Gaming Commission, paints a complex picture of gambling habits among the country’s youth. The data reveals that while 84% of Belgians aged 18 to 30 gamble through legal, regulated websites, more than a quarter (28%) also admit to using illegal platforms—a figure that raises fresh concerns about the effectiveness of current digital gambling controls.
Online Gambling Dominates Among Youth
The shift away from traditional, land-based gambling is stark. Nearly half (48%) of respondents reported gambling online, while only 37% had visited a physical venue. The popularity of online betting is likely fueled by convenience, accessibility, and peer influence—factors that regulators must now weigh more heavily.
The report also found that gambling activity remains relatively casual for most, with 30% saying they play infrequently, and 23% engaging once or several times a week. Alarmingly, 10% stated they gamble nearly every day, highlighting a subgroup at higher risk of problematic behaviour.
Illegal Sites Still Highly Visible
Despite the availability of licensed platforms, illegal gambling sites continue to command high name recognition. Among the top 10 most recognised gambling brands, three are unlicensed—underscoring just how pervasive the presence of black-market operators has become, even in highly regulated jurisdictions like Belgium.
While 94% of participants could name at least one legal operator, 61% could also identify an illegal one. These numbers show that enforcement and education still lag behind the real-world digital experiences of young users.
Peer Influence Tops Advertising in Platform Choice
Interestingly, social influence emerged as the strongest factor in gambling platform selection. 32% of respondents cited recommendations from friends as the main reason for choosing a site. Advertising, including social media (15%) and sports sponsorships (12%), trailed far behind, suggesting that peer validation outweighs promotional messaging when it comes to decision-making.
A Call for Targeted Regulation and Education
The Gaming Commission launched this study following a similar initiative in 2023, with the aim of crafting more effective policies to deter youth from illegal gambling and promote safer betting practices. These efforts are timely, as other jurisdictions also sharpen their focus on young adults’ exposure to gambling.
In the U.S., the NFL recently committed $600,000 to the International Center for Responsible Gaming to advance research on college-age gambling and develop tools for parents and educators—a move that reflects the growing global awareness of the issue.
Conclusion: Legal Options Are Known, but Not Always Chosen
Belgium’s youth clearly recognise legal gambling operators, yet accessibility and social trends are driving many toward unregulated platforms. The Gaming Commission’s findings suggest that peer-focused interventions, rather than purely ad restrictions, may be the next frontier in effective gambling regulation and education for younger audiences.
