Belgian gambling regulator investigates Eden Hazard over illegal betting site

The Belgian Gambling Commission has opened an investigation into former football star Eden Hazard after he became an ambassador for the online betting platform Stake.

Hazard, 35, announced the partnership with Stake on Thursday. However, the website is illegal in Belgium because it does not have a valid licence and is on the regulator’s blacklist.

A spokesperson for the Belgian Gambling Commission said the investigation will examine whether Hazard’s promotion of the betting platform targets the Belgian market. Advertising illegal gambling services to people in Belgium is prohibited.

“If the advertising is aimed at Belgian users, it could lead to a formal notice requiring Hazard to stop the promotion,” the spokesperson said.

If the former Belgian international fails to comply, the regulator could impose sanctions and the case may lead to legal action.

Stake is an international online gambling platform offering casino games, sports betting and crypto-based gambling. The company has grown rapidly in recent years and often promotes its brand through influencers and former professional athletes.

Despite being illegal in Belgium and previously receiving fines from regulators, the platform remains popular among some Belgian players.

^{Eden Hazard © BELGA PHOTO KURT DESPLENTER}