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Story: Belgium’s Online Gambling Surge Hits 14.8% Despite 2023 Ad Ban on Licensed Operators

By Bruce Buterin

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Ad Exposure Stays High Despite Ban. Sciensano's survey found that 52.6% of Belgians report weekly exposure to gambling advertisements.

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Younger Users Driving Growth. Sciensano's report also breaks down who's gambling online.

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What Happens Next. Belgian regulatory authorities haven't offered further comments on potential adjustments to the…

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Online gambling in Belgium jumped to 14.8% of the population. That's nearly double the rate from 2018, according to data from Sciensano.

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But here's the weird part. More than half of Belgians still see gambling ads every single week.

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The 2023 ban was designed to limit how licensed operators could promote gambling. It was supposed to be one of the toughest in the EU.

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The gap between what regulators wanted and what's actually happening is growing. BAGO didn't hold back.

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Sciensano's report also breaks down who's gambling online. A significant proportion of participants are younger adults.

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The survey results suggest younger demographics are engaging with online gambling at rates that alarm industry watchers and regulators alike.

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And there's another wrinkle. The ad ban targets licensed private operators in Belgium. It doesn't necessarily stop exposure from unlicensed sources or international operators who…

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BAGO pointed out that the ban hasn't addressed the root causes of gambling proliferation. The organization said comprehensive enforcement mechanisms are needed—ones that can…

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More context: BTC Hits Wall Near $82,500 as Traders Eye $65,000 Support Zone

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The findings from Sciensano suggest the current regulatory framework may need a full re-evaluation. Online media consumption has changed fast.

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BAGO's push for stronger measures highlights the urgency of recalibrating enforcement efforts.

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Belgian regulatory authorities haven't offered further comments on potential adjustments to the framework. That leaves the future steps pretty unclear.

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