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Tax authorities have eased restrictions on gambling event organizers.

Expanding powers granted to operators of gambling venues imminently.

,   and  Administrator
3 min read
Gambling establishment proprietors are about to gain unprecedented authority.
Gambling establishment proprietors are about to gain unprecedented authority.

Tax authorities have eased restrictions on gambling event organizers.

Got the scoop on Belarus' gambling industry shakeup!

Alexander Lukashenko, the president, has ordered some significant changes in the gambling business, as reported by BelTA. The changes are aimed at tightening the reins, increasing transparency, and protecting citizens.

Previously, Lukashenko underlined the need for regulations on gambling establishments. In response, the Ministry of Taxes and Levies (MNT) has announced that they will no longer work with organizers to set rules for gambling games, aiming to ease administrative burdens.

What's in it for Belarusians?

Belarusians can now utilize cryptocurrency for betting and winnings, but only through the High-Tech Park's residents. Gambling organizers will track earnings from each player and ban the use of documents and payment instruments that don't belong to them. Establishments can independently authenticate these documents.

Moreover, the MNT declared the introduction of a State Register of gaming machine models approved for use.

Digging Deeper

Back in early June, Lukashenko signed off on Decree No. 226, "On Activities in the Gambling Business."

Key changes include prohibiting banks from processing individual payments to foreign gambling game organizers. Players also can't sign risky agreements to win if it involves foreign banks.

Additionally, the storage period for video surveillance records in gambling establishments has increased from 30 to 60 days, and visitors are banned from taking photos and videos inside an establishment.

The regulations' main points will come into effect nine months after their official publication, i.e., March 11, 2026.

Breakdown of Implications

The new decree affects individuals, payment methods, and foreign gambling organizers through multiple provisions designed to strengthen control, boost transparency, and safeguard citizens.

Individual Players

  • Single Account Rule: Players can have only one gambling account and aren't allowed to gamble on behalf of others to curtail fraud and establish personal responsibility[1].
  • In-person or Online Verification: Registration of players must occur either in person at a gambling venue or via an online video session to enhance identification and decrease anonymity[1].
  • Gambling-on-Credit Ban: The president suggested introducing a moratorium on gambling on credit, prohibiting gambling for indebted individuals, and allowing family members to restrict gambling access for addicted persons[2][5].
  • Use of Own Money: The decree sets up mechanisms to guarantee that players gamble only with their own funds, thwarting gambling with borrowed or illicit funds[1].

Payment Methods

  • Foreign Organizer Payments Blocked: Belarusian banks and financial institutions can't transfer clients' money to foreign gambling companies, keeping gambling revenue within the country and preventing capital flight[1][2].
  • Credit and Electronic Payment Prohibition: Gambling companies can't provide electronic cards, money, or payment means to players who lack sufficient funds, prohibiting gambling on credit[1].
  • Cryptocurrency Use Restricted: Cryptocurrency can only be used for betting and payouts through resident companies of the Belarus High-Tech Park operating a licensed crypto platform or exchange[1][4].

Foreign Organizers

  • Financial Transfers Barred: Foreign gambling companies can no longer receive payments from Belarusian players via local banks or financial institutions, cutting off a main revenue stream[1][2].
  • Focus on Local Investment: The decree promotes a shift in focusing gambling revenues on domestic investments rather than sending it overseas, aiming to foster local economic benefits and greater government control[2].
  • ** heightened Oversight and Regulation:** The decree introduces stricter licensing and operational controls, including enhanced surveillance requirements (e.g., doubling the retention period of security footage to 60 days) to combat criminal schemes[1][4].

In a nutshell, the decree implements strict limits on individual player behavior, restricts payment flows to foreign entities, and strengthens regulatory oversight across the gambling business to ensure transparency, social responsibility, and retention of gambling revenues within Belarus[1][2][4][5].

[1] https://www.belta.by/ru/president/view/lukashenko-podpisal-ukaev-o-deyatelnosti-v-ostorozhnykh-igrovyh-igreshkih-organizatsiyah-by-294402[2] https://www.asianews.it/news-en/Belarus-strong-assault-on-gambling,-illegal-immigrants,-LGBT-rights,-and-independent-journalists-56627.html[4] https://www.prime.gov.by/news/lukashenko-podpisal-ukaz-o-deyatelnosti-v-video-igrom-by-287075[5] https://www.regnum.ru/news/society/3274393.html

  1. In line with the decree signed by Lukashenko, Belarusian banks and financial institutions will no longer transfer clients' money to foreign gambling companies, restricting the revenue flow of foreign gambling organizers in the country's finance sphere.
  2. As part of the decree's regulations, individuals are now only permitted to use cryptocurrency for betting and winnings within the High-Tech Park's residents, undergoing stricter oversight and regulation to protect citizens and increase transparency in the business sector.

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