Belgian regulator flags youth use of illegal gambling sites in 2025 survey

A new nationwide survey commissioned by the Belgian Gaming Commission has found that while most young adults gamble through legal channels, a large number continue to use unlicensed platforms. The 2025 study, carried out by research firm DataSynergy, revealed that 84% of individuals aged 18 to 30 reported gambling on regulated websites, while 28% admitted to also using illegal ones.

The findings are based on responses from 1,000 participants and offer insight into how younger demographics are engaging with gambling services online. Legal operators remain more widely recognized, with 94% of respondents able to name at least one licensed platform. 

However, three of the ten most recognized gambling brands in the survey were unlicensed, highlighting the continued visibility of illegal operators despite regulatory efforts.

The survey also underscores the dominance of online gambling over traditional in-person play. Nearly half of those surveyed (48%) said they had gambled online, while only 37% had visited a land-based venue. Since September 2024, 53% of respondents reported gambling at least once.

When it comes to frequency, occasional play is most common. Thirty percent of participants said they gambled infrequently, while 23% said they did so once or several times a week. Ten percent reported gambling nearly every day.

Social influence emerged as the most significant factor in choosing a gambling website. Thirty-two percent of young adults said they selected platforms based on recommendations from friends. By comparison, advertising through social media and sports sponsorships had a more limited impact, cited by 15% and 12% of respondents, respectively.

The survey comes amid heightened scrutiny over youth access to gambling platforms, both in Belgium and internationally. Regulatory bodies are paying closer attention to how young users engage with gambling content and how illegal operators continue to attract this demographic.

The Belgian Gaming Commission said the survey was designed to update its understanding of youth gambling habits following a similar study in 2023. The latest findings will guide future policy and education campaigns aimed at reducing exposure to unregulated websites and promoting safer gambling behaviors.

Globally, the issue is also gaining traction. In the United States, the National Football League this month committed $600,000 to the International Center for Responsible Gaming to study college gambling habits and develop updated resources for families and educators.