Belgian Scientists Explore Fresh Regulatory Strategies
The Gambling Landscape in Belgium:
Belgium is taking bold steps to safeguard consumers and diminish the influence of offshore gambling by implementing user-centric measures. However, research by DataSynergy, commissioned by the Belgian Gaming Commission, reveals room for improvement.
The Impact of Age Restrictions
The focus of this study was on the effects of raising the minimum gambling age from 18 to 21 since September 2024. The findings show that recognition of offshore gambling brands remains high, with 44% of respondents recognizing at least one notable brand. However, awareness for regulated products remains higher, with 94% identifying at least one licensed brand, such as Casino777, Unibet, and Napoleon Games.
The implementation of these new measures has noticeably reduced participation among those aged 18 to 21. Participation on unauthorized sites has fallen from 51% to 39%. However, enforcement remains a challenge as underage gambling persists.
Channelization and Discovery
Interestingly, 65% of respondents exclusively participate in gambling through licensed sites, while 28% do so exclusively on unlicensed sites. Younger individuals are more likely to discover gambling websites through television advertising, whereas older individuals tend to trust online marketing more.
The Belgian Association of Licensed Gaming Operators(BAGO) recently warned that 47% of self-excluded individuals had moved their gambling habits to unregulated websites, despite being problem gamblers.
The Battle for Consumer Preference
While Belgium is making strides in promoting legal platforms, a substantial number of younger Belgians continue to use unlicensed sites, making it crucial for regulatory bodies to address this ongoing challenge. Enforcement efforts have been stepped up, and stricter advertising rules were implemented in July 2023.
Word-of-mouth carries significant weight in the decision-making process, with friends' recommendations playing a role in about 32% of choices. Awareness of legal sites is high, but recognition of illegal ones remains low, with only 44% of young adults able to identify an unauthorized platform.
The MAIN Battle, however, is a complex one, with stricter regulations met by creative workarounds, ensuring that the fight for consumer preference and safety continues.
- The casino industry in Belgium is implementing user-centric measures to safeguard consumers and diminish offshore gambling, yet a study reveals that young adults are persistently engaging in gambling on unlicensed sites.
- Further findings from the study indicate that while 65% of respondents participate in gambling through licensed sites, younger individuals are more likely to discover gambling websites through television advertising.
- On the other hand, older individuals tend to trust online marketing more, but the concern remains that 47% of self-excluded problem gamblers have moved their activities to unregulated sites, as warned by the Belgian Association of Licensed Gaming Operators(BAGO).
- The shift towards legal platforms in Belgium is ongoing, with stricter advertising rules implemented in July 2023, but it's crucial for regulatory bodies to address the substantial number of younger Belgians using unlicensed sites.
- The fight against consumer choice for unauthorized sites continues, as stricter regulations in the finance, banking, and insurance sectors meet creative workarounds, making general news and crime scrutiny necessary in the pursuit of consumer safety and justice.
