🇧🇾For operators · Tax, marketing & compliance
Operating in Belarus: 4% tax, ad limits
Belarus operates a strict, locally-licensed online gambling market. As of 2026, player winnings are taxed at 5% (net) and online operator GGR is taxed at 4%.
OverviewOverview built from public sources. An in-depth review of Belarus is available on request. Request it
Product by product
| Product | Status |
|---|---|
| Online betting · Online casino · Online poker · Lottery | Licensed |
Regulator and player protection in Belarus
Self-exclusion scheme
Register of Persons Restricted from Visiting Gambling Establishments
How players exclude themselves; what it covers is in the player guide
Mandatory RG controls
No limit imposed on players
Deposit limits or reality checks the law requires operators to offer
Advertising stance
Limited
Whether you can run TV / sponsorship / paid-social campaigns
Licence Types in Belarus
5 licence types are listed for Belarus; each says who issues it and what it covers.
| Licence | Regulator | Term | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online Gambling Licence | Ministry of Taxes and Duties | 10 Years | Covers casino, sports betting, and poker. Requires an existing land-based licence and 2 years of prior operation. |
| Land-based Casino Licence | Ministry of Taxes and Duties | 10 Years | For operating physical casinos with table games and slots. |
| Slot Machine Hall Licence | Ministry of Taxes and Duties | 10 Years | For venues operating exclusively with slot machines. |
| Bookmaking Licence | Ministry of Taxes and Duties | 10 Years | Covers land-based betting shops. |
| Totalizator (Tote) Licence | Ministry of Taxes and Duties | 10 Years | For operators running betting pools. |
Licensing model
Belarus has a significant structural requirement for online licensing. An operator cannot apply for a standalone online licence. Instead, they must first hold a land-based gambling licence in Belarus and have a minimum of two years of operational experience in the country. This effectively prevents foreign online-only operators from entering the market directly.
Gambling tax: 4% of GGR
Detail
Online operators pay a 4% tax on Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR). Land-based operators pay fixed monthly fees per object (e.g., 7,854 BYN per gaming table, 264 BYN per slot machine).
Belarus's gambling tax next to neighbours and nearby markets
Each bar is the headline operator tax as that country's own page states it, for Belarus, its neighbours and the nearest other markets (marked “nearby”) that tax gross gaming revenue or sports-betting stakes. Hover or tap a bar to see what it is made of; a tax on stakes is drawn at its weight against revenue.
Year-1 cost of operating in Belarus
Costs are often denominated in 'base units' (BYN), a value set by the government that changes periodically. The mandatory security deposit is the most significant financial barrier.
| Line item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Licence Application Fee | 500 base units (~$4.9k) Source1 | One-time fee per licence application. Drawn from third-party industry sources rather than the regulator's own publications: verify the current figure directly with the licensing authority before relying on it. |
| Security Deposit (Online Casino) | 90k base units (~€1M / $1.1M) Source2 | Mandatory funds to be held in a special Belarusian bank account. Drawn from third-party industry sources rather than the regulator's own publications: verify the current figure directly with the licensing authority before relying on it. |
| Security Deposit (Online Betting) | 20k base units (~€220k / $240k) Source2 | Lower deposit requirement for operators offering only sports betting or tote. Drawn from third-party industry sources rather than the regulator's own publications: verify the current figure directly with the licensing authority before relying on it. |
| Operator GGR Tax (Online) | 4% of GGR Source3 | Tax on the positive difference between funds deposited and winnings paid out. |
| Land-based Operator Tax | Varies (e.g., ~7,854 BYN/month per table) Source4 | Monthly fixed fee per licensed object (gaming table, slot machine, etc.). |
| Technical Integration Cost | no published fee schedule | Cost to integrate with the mandatory Special Computerized Cash Register System (SKKS). |
Year 1 estimate
~$240k to over $1.1 million
Estimate reflects the mandatory security deposit only. It excludes the significant costs of establishing and running a land-based operation for two years prior to online launch.
Which foreign licences Belarus accepts
Belarus recognises none of these 8 foreign licences.
BlockedMalta (MGA)
Operators licensed only by the MGA are not permitted and are subject to ISP blocking.
United Kingdom (UKGC)
A UKGC licence has no legal standing for serving players in Belarus.
Curaçao
Curaçao-licensed operators are considered illegal and are actively blocked by ISPs.
Gibraltar (GRA)
Gibraltar-issued licences are not recognised in Belarus.
Isle of Man (GSC)
Isle of Man licences are not accepted.
Kahnawake (KGC)
Kahnawake Gaming Commission licences are not recognised in Belarus.
Anjouan (AGB)
This offshore licence is not recognised.
Alderney (AGCC)
Alderney Gambling Control Commission licences are not recognised.
Bonus rules: welcome bonuses allowed
Inducement ads: Channel-restricted
Bonus regulation is primarily governed by the general Law of the Republic of Belarus "On Advertising," with enforcement by the Ministry of Antimonopoly Regulation and Trade (MART). The framework focuses on broad principles of fairness and consumer protection rather than prescriptive rules for specific bonus mechanics.
What the player can claim
- Welcome bonus
- Allowed
- VIP schemes
- Allowed
- Loyalty schemes
- Allowed
- Cashback
- Allowed
What the operator can advertise
- Channels off-limits
- Television (7am-10pm)
- Radio (7am-10pm)
- Messages ads may not give
- Creates a false impression that winnings are guaranteed
- Suggests that participating in gambling is a reliable source of income
- Uses superlative words (e.g., 'best,' 'number one') without documentary proof
- Targets minors in any way, including the use of images of children
- Discredits individuals who do not participate in gambling
- Penalties
Administrative fines are determined by the Code of Administrative Offenses (BYN).
Risk of license suspension or revocation for repeated or serious breaches.
The regulator's enforcement focus appears to be on general advertising standards, such as misleading claims, rather than the granular details of bonus offers and mechanics.
Recent advertising-violation cases
| Date | Operator | Violation | Penalty | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| November 2024 | BIZON BET LLC | Used the unsubstantiated phrase 'Best bookmaker in Belarus 2024' in outdoor advertising. | Undisclosed administrative fine (BYN) | Legislation on Advertising |
Advertising: limited
This research dossier outlines the current advertising landscape for licensed online gambling operators in Belarus. A key divergence exists between the two main verticals: while both Sportsbook and Online Casino advertising are permitted under a state license, Sportsbook enjoys significantly broader reach, particularly through exceptions in TV broadcast rules and a dominant presence in sports sponsorships. Online Casino advertising, while legal, faces more practical limitations in high-visibility channels.
| Channel | Status | Vertical & Platform Split (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Google Search Ads | Licensed operators only | Google permits both Online Casino and Sportsbook ads in Belarus for licensed operators as of January 22, 2026. Advertisers must obtain Google’s certification, demonstrate policy compliance, own their second-level domain, and apply per country, per a March 23, 2026 policy update.78 |
| App Store Publishing | Banned | Apple's App Review Guideline 5.3 permits real-money gambling apps for licensed developers in Belarus, requiring geo-restriction and free distribution. Google Play's policy bans real-money gambling apps in Belarus, as it is not on their whitelist of permitted countries.91011 |
| Google/Apple App Store Ads | Banned | Advertising for apps follows app availability. Apple Search Ads permit promotion of licensed real-money gambling apps where distribution is legal. Google's Universal App Campaigns (UAC) are ineligible for real-money gambling apps in Belarus, as these apps cannot be published on the Google Play Store there.101112 |
| Meta (FB/IG) | Allowed | Meta requires prior written permission for all real-money gambling advertisers, including Sportsbook and Online Casino. Operators must provide evidence of their Belarus license, target users aged 18+, and comply with local laws. No confirmable primary sources from the allowlist directly detail Meta's specific policy for Belarus.1314 |
| TV & Radio | Restricted | Belarusian law bans gambling advertising on TV and radio between 07:00 and 22:00. A key exception permits sportsbook and tote betting ads during live or recorded sporting events without time restrictions, but this does not apply to online casino advertising.131516 |
| Sponsorships | Restricted | Sportsbook operators widely sponsor Belarusian sports, serving as title or official partners for national championships. There is no evidence of online casino brands sponsoring sports teams or leagues, indicating this channel is de facto unavailable to the online casino vertical. No confirmable primary sources from the allowlist directly detail specific sponsorship rules or examples.131415 |
| Digital OOH | Restricted | Digital and static out-of-home advertising for both sportsbook and online casino is prevalent in urban areas. The “Law on Advertising” prohibits gambling ads near schools and children’s institutions, creating a buffer zone, and all outdoor advertising requires a local executive committee permit.131718 |
Channel rules for Belarus reflect each platform's published policy and the sources numbered in each row (listed under Methodology & sources). Verify with the local regulator and your ad-platform account manager before launching.
How Belarus enforces against unlicensed operators
The Belarusian regulator and state bodies are highly active in enforcing the local licensing regime. Enforcement includes structural measures like ISP and payment blocking to eliminate competition, alongside direct monitoring of operator finances.
- Payment Blocking (2025/2026): Presidential Decree №226 was designed to stop capital flight by blocking payments to unlicensed foreign operators.
- Mandatory Monitoring (2026): A new computerized cash register system (SKKS) became mandatory on March 11, 2026. It gives the state direct oversight of all financial turnover.
- ISP Blocking (Ongoing): The government maintains a policy of blocking unlicensed gambling websites without prior warning.
Enforcement cases in Belarus: 5 recent
Material regulator actions, court rulings, and high-profile fines from 2016–2026 against operators serving Belarus. Each entry includes the technical failure and a one-line read-across for other operators in the market.
- March 2026
Government of Belarus (All licensed operators)
Grey-MarketInjunctionPresidential Decree №226 banned Belarusian banks from processing payments to foreign gambling operators to stop capital flight.
Read-across: This creates a protected market for locally licensed operators but requires them to implement stricter KYC and operational controls.
- January 2026
All licensed operators
TaxTax hikeBelarus increased the personal income tax on player winnings from 4% to 5%, the first such increase in a decade.
Read-across: The tax increase directly affects player returns and may slightly dampen customer activity and operator revenue projections.
- November 2025
OOO F (Unnamed Gambling Club)
TaxFine BYN1.0MA tax audit revealed the company was paying salaries to both official and unofficial employees 'in envelopes' to evade income tax.
Read-across: This enforcement shows the tax authority's willingness to conduct deep audits on employment practices, a key operational risk area.
- October 2025
Unnamed Slot Machine Hall Operator
RGFine BYN1.1MAn inspection found the operator was allowing self-excluded individuals to gamble and was concealing winnings paid to them.
Read-across: This large penalty shows the regulator's focus on protecting vulnerable players and the severe financial consequences of non-compliance.
- September 2024
Nevada Hall (Dana Mall, Minsk)
LicensingLicence revokedThe operator repeatedly allowed banned individuals to gamble and failed to properly maintain video surveillance records between 2020 and 2024.
Read-across: This revocation signals that the Ministry of Taxes and Duties will use its ultimate sanction for persistent responsible gambling and technical compliance failures.
Market size: 0.21B USD (2025)
Gross gaming revenue in Belarus is approximately 210 million USD annually. The most popular form of gambling is Casino. Online gambling represents 50% of total GGR. A culturally distinctive product in this market is Belorussian Lottery.
Market breakdown by vertical
- Land-based0.0315B USD15.0%
- Sports betting0.0735B USD35.0%
- Casino0.0945B USD45.0%
- Lottery0.0105B USD5.0%
Source: EvenBet Gaming Legal Review. Splits: online-casino 45.0%, sports 35.0%, land-based 15.0%, lottery 5.0%.
GGR figure20
Licensed operators: ~8
As of 18 Jun 2026, approximately 8 operators hold an active licence in Belarus. Size your entry against this base before committing capital.
Notable licensed operators
Sport Pari
BetEra
BoomerangCasino BY
Olimp.by
Traps operators hit in Belarus
Specific operational risks that have caught new entrants in this market. Each item is country-specific. Generic gambling-ops issues (KYC, RG tools) are not included unless they have a local twist.
Land-Based Licence and Experience Prerequisite
The most significant barrier to entry. An operator cannot apply for an online licence directly. They must first acquire a land-based gambling licence and operate in the country for a minimum of two years. This makes market entry costly and slow for new entrants without a local partner.
Strict Financial Guarantee and Domiciliation Rules
Operators must be a legal entity registered in Belarus and maintain all servers physically within the country. As of March 2026, online casino operators must hold a security deposit of 90,000 base units (approx. €1M+) in a special Belarusian bank account to guarantee payouts and tax payments.
Mandatory Integration with State Monitoring System
All licensed operators must connect to and operate through a special computerized cash register system (SKKS). This provides the tax authorities with direct, real-time control over financial flows and requires significant technical integration and compliance overhead.
Sources21
Timeline: rules in force
- March 2026
Modernized Gambling Regulations Take Effect
A Council of Ministers resolution introduced a state slot machine registry, mandatory connection to a state financial monitoring system, and new security deposit rules.
Source: 2
- February 2026
Electronic Lottery Restrictions Implemented
Presidential Decree No. 64 banned minors and self-excluded individuals from electronic lotteries and mandated bank-level blocking of their transactions.
Source: 22
- January 2026
Player Winnings Tax Hiked to 5%
The income tax on net gambling winnings was increased from 4% to 5%, the first change in a decade.
Source: 23
- April 2019
Online Gambling Officially Legalized
Presidential Decree No. 305 (signed August 2018) came into force, establishing the legal framework for a licensed online gambling market.
Source: 24
- August 2018
Foundational Online Gambling Decree Signed
The President signed Decree No. 305. It raised the gambling age to 21 and created the legal basis for online casino licensing.
Source: 24
Operator myths vs reality in Belarus
Common assumptions about gambling licensing that turn out to be wrong in practice.
- MythWe can enter the Belarusian market with our MGA or Curaçao licence.Reality
False. Belarus does not recognize any foreign licences. All offshore operators are considered illegal and are subject to aggressive ISP and payment blocking. A local Belarusian licence is mandatory.
Sources3
- MythWe can get an online licence and launch directly in Belarus.Reality
This is impossible. The law requires any applicant for an online gambling licence to first hold a land-based licence and have a minimum of two years of operational history in the country. This makes a local partnership or acquisition the only viable entry strategy for most foreign operators.
- MythThe main cost of compliance is the 4% GGR tax.Reality
While the GGR tax is a key operational cost, the largest upfront financial burden is the mandatory security deposit. As of March 2026, this is 90,000 base units (over $1.1M) for an online casino, which must be held in a special account in a Belarusian bank.
Sources2
Markets that work like Belarus
Compared on what our records hold for each country: whether online casino, betting, poker and lottery are licensed, state-run or banned, the licensing model, what the operator tax is levied on and its band, how most advertising channels are treated, and how foreign licences are treated. A point we hold for only one of the two countries counts for nothing.
- EstoniaCheckedTuvaluAI overview
Online casino, betting, poker and lottery licensed; licensed market; GGR tax 0–10%; most ad channels restricted; foreign licences mostly blocked.
- Antigua and BarbudaAI overviewVanuatuAI overview
Online casino, betting, poker and lottery licensed; licensed market; GGR tax 0–10%; most ad channels restricted.
- LithuaniaChecked
Online casino, betting, poker and lottery licensed; licensed market; tax on GGR; most ad channels restricted; foreign licences mostly blocked.
Methodology & sources
This page is a Quick AI overview: a summary of public information, not yet checked against the law or the regulator. Treat it as a starting point. It has not yet been through our Deep AI Scan.
How we researchAsk us to run the Deep AI Scan for Belarus
Documents cited on this page
- 1Slotegrator
- 2SBC Eurasia
- 3SoftGamings
- 4iGaming Today
- 5Law of the Republic of Belarus 'On Advertising'
- 6Overview of Belarusian Legislation
- 7GamblingNews - Google Gives Green Light to Online Gambling Ads in Belarus
- 8PPC Land - Google opens Belarus gambling ads with dual-authority licensing
- 9Apple - App Review Guidelines
- 10AisTechnolabs - Google Play gambling apps policy update
- 11Crustlab - Google allows gambling apps in multiple countries
- 12Apple - Advertising Policies
- 13LegalTax - Gambling Business 2025
- 14Zakonoved - Advertising
- 15BelkaGomel - Bookmakers and casinos under the gun: what is important in the rules for advertising gambling in Belarus
- 16Economic Newspaper - Advertising of gambling: there are changes
- 17Pro-marketing - Gambling advertising in Belarus: how it works
- 18Etalonline - Outdoor Advertising
- 19Reform.news
- 20EvenBet Gaming Legal Review
- 21iGaming Today
- 22SBC Eurasia
- 23Tribuna.com
- 24President of Belarus Official Website
- 25Global Law Experts
Looking for the player guide?
For consumer-facing information about gambling in Belarus (tax on winnings, where to play legally, self-exclusion options), see the Belarus player guide.
Disclaimer. This page reflects the law as we understood it on 18 Jun 2026. Rules change: always check the current position with Ministry of Taxes and Duties of Belarus. We are not a legal adviser.