The Belgian Association of Gaming Operators (BAGO) says participation in gambling by those under the legal age is “still too high,” amid a new report detailing the latest figures.

The Flemish Expertise Centre for Alcohol and other Drugs’ latest study found that 12.4 per cent of young people reported having bet on sports, declining by 0.1 per cent.

Participation in casino games by this age group fell by 0.2 per cent to 5.3 per cent.

The BAGO said the figures show “a clear stabilisation and even a decrease” in gambling participation by those under 18.

The BAGO also noted the survey took place before the rise of the legal age limit to gamble to 21 earlier this month, as well as the introduction of stricter gambling advertising measures.

Despite these measures, participation by minors is “still too high,” the trade association said.

“Because recognised providers apply strict age checks and have invested heavily in player protection in recent years, minors mainly gamble on illegal websites or via physical products from the National Lottery.

“BAGO emphasises that the Gaming Commission must be sufficiently effective to tackle the illegal gambling circuit effectively. In this circuit, minors can still gamble, without any form of protection and there is no age limit.”