Regulatory AuthorityMinistry of Taxes and Duties of the Republic of Belarus
License CostVaries
Regulation by Activity Type
Casinos
Regulated
Online Casinos
Regulated
Betting
Regulated
Online Betting
Regulated
Lotteries
Regulated
Poker
Regulated
Highlights
All forms of gambling are legal in Belarus but are strictly regulated by the government.
Online gambling has been legal since April 2019, following Decree No. 305.
A government-issued license is required for both land-based and online gambling operators.
The legal gambling age in Belarus is 21 for all types of gambling activities.
A 4% tax is applied to player winnings from licensed sports betting sites.
The state closely supervises licensed operators, leading many international brands to avoid the market.
Authorities actively block unlicensed international gambling sites, but many still operate via VPNs.
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Legislation
Primary Legislation
The legal framework governing gambling in Belarus is primarily established by several key legislative acts. The central piece of legislation is the Law of the Republic of Belarus "On Gambling Business," which sets out the general legal basis for the organization and conduct of gambling activities in the country. In addition, Presidential Decree No. 305, issued in August 2018 and effective from April 2019, plays a crucial role in regulating both land-based and online gambling. This decree introduced significant updates, including the legalization and regulation of online gambling, and established detailed rules for the operation of gambling businesses. These core legal instruments are supported by various government resolutions and subordinate regulations that specify operational standards and compliance requirements for gambling activities.
Regulatory Authority
Oversight and enforcement of gambling legislation in Belarus are carried out by the Ministry of Taxes and Duties of the Republic of Belarus. This authority is responsible for supervising all gambling activities, ensuring compliance with the established legal framework, and issuing relevant regulations and guidelines. The Ministry's key responsibilities include:
Monitoring and controlling the organization and operation of gambling businesses
Enforcing compliance with licensing and operational requirements as set out in national legislation
Developing and implementing additional regulatory acts and technical standards for the gambling sector
Overseeing the implementation of measures to prevent illegal gambling and protect consumers
License Types
Types of Gambling Licenses in Belarus
Land-Based Casino License: Required for operating physical casinos offering table games and slot machines.
Bookmaking License: Covers both land-based and online sports betting operations.
Totalizator (Tote) License: For operators wishing to run betting pools, including online totalizators.
Online Gambling License: Mandatory for all forms of online gambling, including online casinos, poker, and betting platforms.
Slot Machine Hall License: For establishments operating slot machines outside of full-scale casinos.
Application Process
Applications must be submitted to the Ministry of Taxes and Duties of the Republic of Belarus.
The process involves providing detailed documentation, including business plans, proof of financial stability, and information about company ownership and management.
Applicants must demonstrate compliance with anti-money laundering (AML) and responsible gambling requirements.
Background checks on key personnel are conducted to ensure integrity and suitability.
Technical systems, including software and equipment, must be certified by approved testing laboratories.
The application review process is rigorous and may take several months.
Duration and Renewal of Licenses
Licenses are typically issued for a period of five years.
Renewal applications must be submitted before the expiration of the current license, with updated documentation and continued compliance checks.
Failure to comply with regulatory requirements can result in suspension or revocation of the license.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must be legal entities registered in Belarus.
Key shareholders and management must pass suitability and integrity checks.
Demonstration of sufficient financial resources and a transparent ownership structure is required.
Technical infrastructure must meet national standards for security and fairness.
Licensing Costs and Financial Requirements
The licensing process in Belarus is considered relatively affordable compared to other jurisdictions in the region.
Applicants must pay an initial application fee, which varies depending on the type of license and the scale of operations.
There are annual licensing fees that must be paid to maintain the license.
Operators are required to maintain a minimum level of authorized capital, which is set by the government and depends on the gambling activity type.
Operators must provide financial guarantees or insurance to cover potential liabilities.
Key Requirements for Obtaining and Maintaining a License
Strict adherence to AML and responsible gambling regulations.
Implementation of player identification and age verification systems.
Regular reporting to the regulatory authority on financial performance and player protection measures.
Maintenance of certified and secure technical systems for game fairness and data protection.
Cooperation with regulatory audits and inspections.
Immediate notification to authorities of any significant changes in ownership, management, or business operations.
Gambling Tax
Tax Rates for Gambling Operators in Belarus
Belarus imposes specific tax rates on gambling operators, with rates varying depending on the type of gambling activity. The most common gambling activities subject to taxation include land-based casinos, slot machine halls, betting shops, and online gambling operations.
Type of Gambling Operation
Tax Rate/Basis
Sports Betting Operators (Online & Land-based)
4% tax on player winnings
Other Gambling Activities (e.g., Casinos, Slots)
Flat-rate taxes based on the number of gaming tables, slots, or devices (rates set by government decree and subject to periodic revision)
Basis for Taxation
For sports betting, the tax is generally levied at 4% on the amount of player winnings. Operators are responsible for withholding and remitting this tax.
For other gambling activities such as casinos and slot halls, taxation is typically based on fixed rates per gaming table, slot machine, or other gambling device, rather than on gross gaming revenue (GGR) or turnover.
Tax Reporting and Payment Requirements
Gambling operators must calculate, withhold (where applicable), and remit taxes on a monthly basis.
Operators are required to file regular tax returns detailing the basis for their tax calculations (e.g., number of devices, player winnings, etc.).
Payment deadlines and reporting formats are set by the Belarusian tax authorities, and failure to comply can result in penalties or suspension of operations.
Tax Incentives, Exemptions, and Special Provisions
There are no widely publicized tax incentives or exemptions specifically for gambling operators in Belarus.
All operators, regardless of size or type, are subject to the same tax regime unless otherwise specified by a government decree.
The government periodically reviews and may adjust tax rates or the basis for taxation, but currently, the system remains as described above.
Prohibited Individuals
Age Restrictions and Identification Requirements
The minimum legal age for all forms of gambling in Belarus is 21 years. This applies to both land-based and online gambling. Gambling operators are required to verify the age and identity of all players before allowing participation. This verification process typically involves checking official identification documents to ensure compliance and prevent underage gambling.
Prohibited Activities and Game Restrictions
Only licensed forms of gambling are permitted; unlicensed gambling activities are strictly prohibited.
International gambling websites are officially blocked by the government, and only operators with a Belarusian license can legally offer gambling services to residents.
There are no widely reported outright bans on specific types of games within licensed venues, but all game types and formats must be pre-approved by the regulator to ensure compliance with national standards.
Advertising and Marketing Limitations
Advertising of gambling services is tightly regulated to prevent targeting minors or vulnerable groups.
All gambling advertisements must include clear warnings about the risks of gambling and promote responsible play.
Advertising is not permitted in media or locations where it could be seen primarily by persons under 21 years of age, such as schools or youth centers.
There are restrictions on the content and placement of gambling advertisements to avoid misleading claims or encouraging excessive gambling.
Responsible Gambling and Player Protection Measures
Operators must provide information and tools to help players gamble responsibly, including self-exclusion options and limits on deposits or losses.
Mandatory display of responsible gambling messages and helpline information in all gambling venues and on gambling websites.
Operators are required to monitor player behavior for signs of problem gambling and intervene when necessary, including offering support or restricting access to gambling services.
Strict anti-money laundering procedures are in place, requiring verification of player identity and monitoring of transactions to detect suspicious activity.
Geographic and Location Restrictions
Land-based gambling venues can only operate in approved locations, typically outside of areas frequented by minors or vulnerable populations.
Online gambling is restricted to operators licensed and regulated within Belarus; access to unlicensed international gambling sites is actively blocked by national authorities.
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Timeline
Year/Date
Event
2002
Comprehensive regulation of gambling introduced, establishing a legal framework for land-based gambling activities in Belarus.
2005
Significant amendments made to gambling legislation, tightening state control and introducing stricter licensing requirements for operators.
2010
Presidential Decree No. 10 issued, further centralizing regulation and introducing new requirements for gambling operators, including mandatory player identification and increased oversight.
2018
Presidential Decree No. 305 signed, legalizing and regulating online gambling in Belarus, with the law coming into effect in April 2019.
2019
First online gambling licenses issued under the new regulatory regime, marking the official launch of the regulated online gambling market in Belarus.
2020
Additional regulations introduced to enhance responsible gambling measures and strengthen anti-money laundering controls in the gambling sector.
Requirements
Software Certification and Technical Standards
All gambling software and gaming systems used by operators must undergo mandatory certification by accredited testing laboratories. Certification ensures compliance with national technical standards for randomness, fairness, and integrity of games.
Operators are required to use only certified hardware and software, including random number generators (RNGs), game logic, and payment processing modules.
Any updates or modifications to certified software must be re-certified before deployment in the live environment.
Technical integration with the national monitoring system is mandatory, allowing regulatory authorities real-time access to game data and financial transactions.
Data Protection, Privacy, and Server Location Requirements
Operators must ensure the secure storage and processing of all personal and financial data in accordance with Belarusian data protection laws.
All servers hosting gambling platforms, databases, and player information must be physically located within the territory of Belarus, unless otherwise specifically permitted by the regulator.
Data transmission must use strong encryption protocols to protect against unauthorized access or breaches.
Operators are required to implement robust cybersecurity measures, including firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and regular vulnerability assessments.
Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) Procedures
Operators must implement comprehensive AML policies, including the identification and verification of all players before allowing participation in gambling activities.
KYC procedures require the collection and verification of personal identification documents, proof of address, and, where applicable, source of funds.
Operators are obliged to monitor transactions for suspicious activity, report any suspicious transactions to the relevant authorities, and maintain detailed records of all AML checks and reports.
Enhanced due diligence is required for high-value transactions or players identified as high-risk.
Financial Reporting, Auditing Standards, and Record-Keeping
Operators must maintain detailed and accurate records of all financial transactions, player accounts, and game outcomes for a minimum period as prescribed by law.
Regular submission of financial and operational reports to the regulator is required, including detailed breakdowns of revenue, payouts, and tax calculations.
Independent annual audits of financial statements and gaming systems are mandatory, conducted by certified auditors approved by the regulator.
Operators must ensure the integrity and immutability of records through secure, tamper-evident storage solutions.
Technical Implementation Requirements for Responsible Gambling Tools
Operators are required to implement technical tools that allow players to set deposit, loss, and session time limits directly through the gambling platform.
Self-exclusion mechanisms must be available, enabling players to voluntarily block themselves from accessing gambling services for specified periods.
Systems must provide real-time notifications to players when responsible gambling limits are approached or reached.
Operators must integrate with the national self-exclusion registry, ensuring immediate enforcement of exclusion requests across all licensed platforms.
Responsible gambling information and support resources must be prominently displayed and easily accessible within the user interface.
Gambling regulations are subject to change. The information provided on this page was accurate at the time of publication, but may not reflect the current regulatory landscape. Always consult official sources for the most up-to-date information before making any gambling-related decisions.
