Gambling in Belize is regulated under the Gaming Control Act, with strict licensing requirements for all operators.
The Gaming Control Board oversees licensing, compliance, and enforcement of gambling laws in Belize.
Online gambling is legal but requires a specific license; unauthorized online operators are deemed illegal.
Applicants for a gambling license must be over 18, have a clean criminal record, and meet suitability checks.
Licenses are typically valid for one year, with fees and possible security deposits set by the Board.
Licensed operators must pay gaming taxes as prescribed by regulations and maintain accurate financial records.
Violations of gambling regulations can result in heavy fines, license revocation, or imprisonment.
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Legislation
Primary Legislation
The core legal framework governing gambling in Belize is established through two principal acts:
Gaming Control Act: This act provides the overarching legal structure for all forms of land-based gaming activities in Belize. It defines the types of permissible gambling, outlines the regulatory framework, and sets the foundation for the issuance and oversight of gaming licenses for physical gambling establishments.
Computer Wagering Licensing Act: Enacted in 1995 and subsequently amended, this act specifically regulates online gambling and remote wagering activities. It establishes the legal basis for licensing and oversight of online gaming operators, detailing requirements for compliance and operational conduct within the jurisdiction of Belize.
These acts collectively form the primary legislative instruments that govern the operation, regulation, and enforcement of gambling activities in Belize, both land-based and online.
Regulatory Authority
The responsibility for enforcing gambling laws and overseeing regulatory compliance in Belize is vested in the following bodies:
Gaming Control Board: This is the principal regulatory authority for land-based gambling. The Board is empowered to administer the Gaming Control Act, issue licenses, monitor compliance, and ensure that all gaming operations adhere to the established legal framework.
Belize Computer Wagering Licensing Board: This authority is tasked with regulating all online gambling and remote wagering activities under the Computer Wagering Licensing Act. It oversees the application and maintenance of licenses for online operators and ensures compliance with statutory requirements specific to remote gaming.
These regulatory bodies are responsible for upholding the integrity of the gambling sector in Belize by administering the relevant legislation, monitoring operator conduct, and enforcing compliance with all applicable laws.
License Types
Types of Gambling Licenses in Belize
Online Gaming License: Belize offers a single, comprehensive online gaming license that covers a wide range of internet gambling activities, including online casinos, sports betting, and other remote gaming operations.
Gaming Premises (Casino) License: For land-based casinos, a specific Gaming Premises License is required. The license fee and requirements vary depending on the size of the casino and the number of hotel rooms associated with the premises.
Application Process
Online Gaming License:
Applicants must first register a company in Belize and ensure that their gaming servers or at least the client database are physically located in Belize.
The application process involves an initial evaluation of the applicant’s suitability, followed by submission of detailed documentation, including company and personal probity forms, business plan, passport/visa copies, citizenship certificate, and a certificate of non-criminal record.
The process is overseen by the Gaming Control Board (GCB). Applicants submit the completed forms and supporting documents for review.
Gaming Premises (Casino) License:
Applicants must submit a letter of interest, a completed application form (available in the Gaming Control regulations), a business plan, and required supporting documents (such as company incorporation documents, reference letters, and recent fingerprint documents).
Five bound copies and two USB drives with electronic copies of all materials must be submitted to the Chairman of the Gaming Control Board.
Clearance from the Belize Tourism Board is required for hotel-casino operations.
Duration, Renewal, and Eligibility
Online Gaming License:
The license is valid for one year and must be renewed annually by submitting a renewal application and paying the renewal fee.
Eligibility is determined by a “fit and proper” assessment, which includes background checks on both the company and key individuals.
Gaming Premises (Casino) License:
Licenses are issued for one year and must be renewed annually.
Applicants must demonstrate financial capability, a viable business plan, and compliance with regulatory requirements.
Licensing Costs and Financial Requirements
Online Gaming License:
Application fee: Typically around US$15,500 (may vary by service provider or legal representative).
Annual license renewal fee: US$10,000.
Applicants may also be required to provide a substantial deposit or bond (amounts can vary, but figures such as US$500,000 have been cited for security and compliance purposes).
US$125,000 cash deposit or bond, to be used toward business tax or winnings due.
Key Requirements for Obtaining and Maintaining Licenses
Submission of comprehensive business and personal documentation, including business plans, proof of identity, and background checks.
Demonstration of financial capability and, for online operations, technical capacity to operate gaming platforms securely and in compliance with Belizean regulations.
Maintenance of physical infrastructure (such as servers or databases) within Belize for online gaming licenses.
Ongoing compliance with regulatory requirements, including regular reporting and payment of applicable fees and deposits.
For land-based casinos, additional requirements such as hotel association and tourism board clearance may apply.
Gambling Tax
Tax Rates for Gambling Operators in Belize
Land-Based Casinos:
8% business tax (referred to as "Gaming Tax") on gross earnings, payable monthly.
15% withholding tax on player winnings exceeding $1,000.
Online Gambling Operators:
0.75% tax on gross annual turnover, capped at a maximum of $250,000 per year.
Type of Gambling
Tax Rate
Basis for Taxation
Maximum/Cap
Land-Based Casinos
8%
Gross Earnings
None specified
Land-Based Casinos
15% (withholding)
Player winnings over $1,000
None specified
Online Gambling
0.75%
Gross Annual Turnover
$250,000 per year
Basis for Taxation
Land-based casinos are taxed on their gross earnings (total revenue before expenses).
Online gambling operators are taxed on their gross annual turnover (total amount wagered by players).
Withholding tax for land-based casinos applies to individual player winnings above a certain threshold.
Tax Reporting and Payment Requirements
Land-based casinos must pay the 8% business tax monthly.
Withholding tax of 15% on player winnings above $1,000 must be deducted at the time of payout and remitted to the tax authorities.
Online gambling operators are required to calculate and pay the 0.75% tax on their gross annual turnover, ensuring that the total payment does not exceed the $250,000 annual cap.
Operators may be required to submit supporting documentation and financial statements as part of their tax reporting obligations.
Tax Incentives, Exemptions, and Special Provisions
For online gambling operators, the 0.75% tax on gross turnover is capped at $250,000 per year, serving as a de facto tax incentive for high-volume operators.
Land-based casino operators must provide a cash deposit or bond (e.g., US $125,000) which can be used towards business tax or winnings due, acting as a financial guarantee rather than a tax exemption.
No other significant tax incentives or exemptions are specified for gambling operators.
Prohibited Individuals
Age Restrictions and Identification Requirements
The minimum legal age for participating in gambling activities in Belize is 18 years. Gambling operators are required to verify the age and identity of players to prevent underage gambling. This typically involves requesting valid identification documents, such as a passport or national ID card, before allowing participation in gambling activities.
Prohibited Activities and Game Restrictions
Online gambling services licensed in Belize are prohibited from offering their products to residents of Belize. Operators may only target players outside the country.
Any online gambling operation claiming to hold a Belizean license without official approval is considered illegal and must cease operations immediately.
Unlicensed gambling activities, both online and land-based, are strictly forbidden.
Operators are required to maintain a separate bank account exclusively for processing wagers, which adds an additional layer of financial oversight and player fund protection.
Advertising and Marketing Limitations
Advertising of gambling services to residents of Belize is not permitted, whether the operator is licensed or unlicensed.
Marketing materials must not target minors or vulnerable groups and must adhere to standards that prevent misleading or deceptive information about gambling products.
Operators are restricted from making claims that gambling can be a solution to financial problems or promote excessive or irresponsible gambling behaviors.
Responsible Gambling and Player Protection Measures
Operators must implement responsible gambling policies, including providing information about the risks of gambling and resources for problem gambling support.
Self-exclusion options must be available, allowing players to voluntarily restrict their own access to gambling services.
Operators are required to monitor player behavior for signs of problem gambling and intervene when necessary, such as by offering cooling-off periods or account limits.
Clear terms and conditions, including information on fees and withdrawal processes, must be transparently communicated to all players.
Geographic and Location Restrictions
Licensed online gambling operators in Belize are expressly forbidden from providing services to individuals physically located within Belize.
Land-based gambling venues are subject to location restrictions and may only operate in areas approved by the relevant authorities, ensuring they are not situated near schools, religious institutions, or other sensitive locations.
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Timeline
Year/Date
Event
1963
The Gaming Control Act was enacted, establishing the foundational legal framework for land-based gambling regulation in Belize.
1995
The Computer Wagering Licensing Act was introduced, making Belize one of the first jurisdictions to regulate online gambling and issue licenses for online gaming operations.
2000
Amendments were made to the Computer Wagering Licensing Act to strengthen oversight and clarify licensing requirements for online gambling operators.
2003
The Gaming Control (General Regulation of Licensed Gaming Premises) Regulations were revised, updating the regulatory framework for land-based casinos and gaming premises.
2004
The annual online gaming license fee was reduced from $50,000 to $15,000 to attract more operators to the jurisdiction.
2011
Further amendments were made to gaming regulations, including additional compliance and anti-money laundering requirements for both land-based and online operators.
2022
The annual online gaming license renewal fee was set at $10,000, reflecting ongoing adjustments to the regulatory and fiscal environment for gambling in Belize.
Requirements
Software Certification and Technical Standards
All gaming software used by operators must be certified by an independent testing laboratory approved by the Gaming Control Board to ensure fairness, randomness, and compliance with regulatory standards.
Operators are required to implement technical systems that prevent tampering, unauthorized access, and manipulation of gaming outcomes.
Software updates and changes must be reported to the regulator and may require re-certification before deployment.
Operators must ensure that their gaming systems provide transparent and auditable records of all gaming activity.
Data Protection, Privacy Measures, and Server Location
Operators are required to implement robust data protection measures to safeguard player information, including encryption of sensitive data both in transit and at rest.
Access to personal and financial data must be restricted to authorized personnel only, with audit trails maintained for all access events.
Operators must comply with privacy standards set by the Gaming Control Board and adhere to any additional data protection laws applicable in Belize.
Gaming servers must be located within Belize or in jurisdictions approved by the regulator, and must be accessible for regulatory inspections and audits at any time.
Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) Procedures
Operators must implement comprehensive AML programs that include customer due diligence, ongoing monitoring, and reporting of suspicious transactions to the relevant authorities.
Mandatory KYC procedures require operators to verify the identity, age, and source of funds of all players before allowing participation in gaming activities.
Operators are required to maintain records of all AML and KYC checks, including copies of identification documents and transaction histories, for a minimum period as specified by the regulator.
Staff must be trained regularly on AML and KYC obligations and procedures.
Financial Reporting, Auditing Standards, and Record-Keeping
Operators must maintain accurate and up-to-date financial records of all gaming transactions, player accounts, and operational expenses.
Periodic financial reports must be submitted to the Gaming Control Board in a prescribed format, including detailed breakdowns of revenues, payouts, and tax payments.
Operators are subject to independent audits by qualified auditors approved by the regulator, and audit reports must be provided to the Board upon request.
All records, including player activity logs, financial statements, and compliance documents, must be retained for a minimum period as specified by regulations and be readily available for inspection.
Technical Implementation Requirements for Responsible Gambling Tools
Operators must implement technical tools that allow players to set deposit limits, loss limits, and self-exclusion periods directly through the gaming platform.
Systems must provide clear and accessible information about responsible gambling, including links to support organizations and helplines.
Operators are required to monitor player behavior for signs of problem gambling and implement automated interventions when risk indicators are detected.
Records of all responsible gambling measures taken, including player-initiated limits and self-exclusions, must be maintained and reported to the regulator as required.
Gaming Control Board of Belize – The primary regulatory body for gambling in Belize. Contact information is typically available through the Ministry of Investment or Beltraide.
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.
