A report from Belgium-based operator Gaming1 has highlighted concerns over the effect of over-regulation on channelisation.
On 1 July 2023, Belgium introduced a near total ban on gambling advertising. This was after a consortium of sports teams and gaming operators were defeated in a last-ditch legal bid challenging the royal decree.
The ban faced backlash, with Belgium gambling trade body Bago highlighting the government’s decision to act against the advice of the country’s Gambling Commission when imposing the ban.
Gaming1’s report has now outlined the impact of the royal decree on channelisation towards legal operators in Belgium.
Gaming1 pointed to surveys conducted by Nepa in 2023. The studies found a 6% rise in online players using an illegal website in the past three months following the royal decree, as well as a 4% increase on deposits made on illegal gaming websites.
In its report, Gaming1 highlighted the results of two major studies. The first from the Belgian Gaming Co..