BAGO, a group representing private gambling operators, urges Belgium to raise the legal age for the national lottery to 21, aligning it with other forms of gambling. This comes despite a slight drop in youth gambling rates, as highlighted by a 2023 study from the Flemish Expertise Centre for Alcohol and Other Drugs. The report shows a decrease in the number of young people gambling, yet BAGO argues for consistency in the legal age for all gambling types to better protect young people. Both online and offline.
Gambling habits of young players
The report examines the gambling habits of young people (under 21) in Belgium, along with their use of drugs, alcohol, and social media in 2022-23. While youth gambling remains a concern, the study shows a long-term decline. Scratchcard use dropped to a record low of 9.7%, with lotteries at 5.3% and poker at 2.3%. Sports betting saw a slight dip from 12.5% to 12.4%. Confusion about the legal gambling age persists, as only 77.6% knew that 18 is the legal age for scratchcards. Since September, the legal gambling age increased to 21.
Gender related differences in gambling activity
The report highlights differences in gambling behavior between males and females. Overall, more males participated in sports betting, poker, lottery, and casino games in the past year. However, females played scratchcards slightly more than males (9.8% vs. 9.6%). Scratchcards were the most popular gambling activity for both genders. Long-term, 29% of young females in Belgium have played scratchcards, compared to 25.4% of males. Sports betting was more common among males, with 16.6% having placed a bet, compared to 8% of females.
Different ways of Gambling
The survey shows scratchcards are the most popular form of gambling among young people, with 9.7% participating in the past year. Sports betting followed at 5.8%, while 5.3% played the lottery. Casino games and poker both had a participation rate of 2.4%. Long-term trends reveal that 27.2% of young people have played the lottery at some point in their lives. Worryingly, 10.1% of 12-14-year-olds had played scratchcards in the past year, a higher rate than older age groups.
Mobile betting and apps
With the rise of smartphones and betting apps, it has become much easier for young people to gamble. Instant access to online sportsbooks and casinos means they can place bets from anywhere, at any time, as long as they have internet. This constant connectivity increases the temptation for young people to engage in gambling activities, as they no longer need to visit a physical location to play. The convenience of mobile casino apps makes it harder for regulators to monitor underage gambling and ensure effective prevention strategies are in place.
Raising the minimum age?
Despite the decrease in young people gambling, BAGO, the group representing private gambling operators in Belgium, highlighted that too many young people still play the lottery. BAGO called for the minimum age for all National Lottery products to be raised to 21, matching other gambling activities. They argue that this would ensure equal protection and prevent young people from gambling. Additionally, they stressed that prevention and control are key measures to keep youth away from gambling.
FAQ about this subject:
Belgium is a European Country, situated between The Netherlands in the North, and France to the South.
Yes, online gambling is legal in Belgium, but it is strictly regulated. Casinos and Bookmakers must hold a license to offer services within the country.
The legal gambling age is generally 21 for casino games and 18 for sports betting and lotteries.
Casinos that hold licenses for online gambling include Unibet, Bwin, 777 and Pokerstars. To operate online in Belgium, these casinos are partnered with certain land-based casinos.
