Study: Poorer Brussels Communes Have More Gambling Establishments Than Affluent Ones

A recent study conducted by data analyst Aurore Paligot has shed light on the correlation between the economic status of various communities in Belgium and the prevalence of gambling establishments. The findings, reported by Casino Nieuws and citing Le Soir, indicate a higher density of gambling establishments in less affluent areas.

Paligot’s research utilized data from the Belgium Gambling Commission on issued gambling licenses across different regions of the country. She calculated the average number of licenses allocated per 10,000 residents in specific communities.

The results showed that poorer areas of Belgium have more gambling establishments compared to wealthier ones.

Specifically, in communities where the average income is less than €17,000, there are approximately 10.5 licenses per 10,000 residents. This figure drops to 3.3 in areas where the average income exceeds €23,000.

This trend is observed nationwide, suggesting a correlation between the economic status of areas and the number of gambling establishments. 

However, gambling operators dispute the notion that they deliberately target poorer communities for their operations.

Yannick Bellefroid, CEO of Belgian Ladbrokes, echoed this sentiment, stating that location choices for business development are based on factors like population density, transportation routes, and competition, not the socioeconomic profile.

In related news, we previously reported that the authorities of the Belgian city of Genk have signaled its intent to ban all land-based bookmakers.