One in Three Belgians Engaged in Gambling — Sciensano Report
The Belgian institute Sciensano has released the results of a national survey: 31.9% of Belgians — out of a sample of 7,000 respondents — participated in gambling activities between 2023 and 2024.
Gambling Participation: Key Figures
The survey was conducted as part of a national public health monitoring initiative. Its main goal was to assess gambling behaviors and identify at-risk groups within the population.
Key findings include:
- 31.9% of respondents reported gambling in 2023–2024.
- 33% of gamblers used both online and offline platforms.
- Less than 3% engaged in betting, casino games, or poker.
- €32 — average monthly spending per gambler.
Growth of Online Gambling
Over the past six years, the share of online gambling in Belgium has nearly doubled:
| Year | Online Gamblers (%) |
|---|---|
| 2018 | 7.9% |
| 2024 | 14.8% |
Despite this growth, overall gambling participation has remained relatively stable.
Spending Habits Among Gamblers
High-expenditure gamblers — the most active users — typically spend:
- €94 per month, making up the bulk of gambling-related spending.
- The share of those spending over €40 monthly has declined from 13% to 7%.
Most participants spend small amounts, indicating relatively moderate gambling behavior. However, a notable minority shows signs of problematic gambling patterns.
Risks and Vulnerable Groups
The Sciensano report highlights several vulnerable groups:
- 2.6% of the population are at risk of developing gambling-related problems.
- 0.6% fall into the high-risk category.
- The most vulnerable age group is between 15 and 24 years old.
Younger individuals are more likely to be drawn to online formats, which offer easier access and are heavily promoted through digital advertising.
The Impact of Gambling Advertising
Advertising plays a major role in the spread of gambling. More than half of survey participants reported encountering gambling ads weekly through channels such as:
- Social media
- Television
- Sponsorship of sporting events
Although logos of betting companies are officially banned from football team jerseys, operators often sidestep the restrictions.
One common strategy is launching white-label brands — seemingly independent platforms that promote gambling under the guise of informational or entertainment content.
Sciensano and Research Methodology
The study was conducted under Sciensano’s national health program, which follows the “One Health” approach — integrating human, animal, and environmental health perspectives.
Sciensano is a public scientific research institution with over 950 professionals. With a history spanning more than 100 years, it specializes in epidemiology, public health, and behavioral analysis.
Contact Information
Report authors: Catho Boone, Manon Janssens, Elise Braekman
Contact: Catho Boone, T+32 2 642 56 91, catho.boone@sciensano.be
Source: Enquête de santé 2023–2024: Gambling Practices. Sciensano, Brussels, 2025.
Conclusion
Gambling is a regular activity for a significant portion of the Belgian population, with one in three adults participating in some form.
Online gambling continues to grow in popularity, especially among young people, raising concerns about potential addiction risks.
Sciensano’s work enables the government to monitor trends and develop strategies to mitigate the social and health impacts of gambling.