Gambling Laws in Belarus

Belarus is a relatively poor Eastern European country. Given its immediate neighbours (Russia and Poland) and their stance on gambling, you might expect the region to have the same rules. Surprisingly, there's a much more lax approach to activites.

Which Gambling Activities Are Legal in Belarus?

The Civil Code includes specific legislation regarding gambling, namely Chapter 57: Conducting Games and Betting, which makes licensed gambling legal in Belarus. Presidential Decree No. 305 also makes online gambling legal.

Wagering on Offline and Online Casino Games

Land-based casinos are legal and there are around 20 of these and some 200+ slot halls. Operators must be based in the country and obtain a licence to provide services. A maximum of 32 of these can be issued in Belarus. Most of the country's casinos are located in the capital city Minsk. The industry generates significant revenue, particularly from tourists from countries where casino gaming is illegal.

Online casino gambling is also legal under licence by the country's authority, MNS (Tax and Duties Ministry). Belarus' monopoly internet service provider Beltelecom actively blocks unlicensed sites. Residents still have little trouble finding safe online casinos at which to play though.

Playing Poker With Real Money

Poker is legal and popular in Belarus, with just about all land-based casinos offering it. Many of these have VIP rooms specifically set aside for tournaments. Major tournaments are regularly held at the casinos in the capital city.

Online poker is also legal in Belarus, with operators required to be licensed. In reality, few sites accept players from Belarus due to censorship issues and the unpredictable internet infrastructure though.

Betting on Bingo

Bingo is legal, with offline and online operators required to obtain a licence. However, the game is almost non-existent, so the country has no dedicated halls. Similarly, online bingo gambling isn't very popular, so there aren't any sites serving the Belarusian population.

Purchasing Lottery Tickets

Only government bodies and executive committees can run lotteries, thus creating a monopoly. Several draws run in Belarus, including Superloto, Your Loto and Cyberloto. Many of the existing licensed land-based operators allow residents to play online lottery games for real money via their websites.

Social Gambling and Online Crypto Casinos

Belarus gambling laws don't specifically mention such activities as social casinos and the issue of loot boxes. So these unregulated activities tend to go under the radar. Gambling privately in homes is permitted as long as no commercial profits are being made.

Even though Belarus has legalised crypto transactions and opened its first Bitcoin exchange in 2020, coins are not currently recognised as legal tender. This means even licensed establishments cannot accept them. Residents can still access and play games in various cryptocurrencies via foreign crypto casinos though.

Is Sports Betting Legal in Belarus?

Yes, and it's incredibly popular - especially football markets. Around 200 bookmakers are operating in the country and each company is required to have an official license. Online sports betting is also legal in Belarus with the country's sole ISP actively blocking unlicensed operator sites.

What's the Minimum Age to Gamble in Belarus?

Changes in the law in 2018 mean that only those aged 21 and over are legally allowed to gamble in Belarus.

Belarus Gambling Tax Regulations

These dictate that operators must pay 4% on profits. In addition, fixed fees are also charged monthly depending on the gaming equipment used (e.g. €2,320 for a table, €80 per game machine, etc.). Players are also subject to a 4% tax on gambling winnings, charged under income tax.

History of Gambling Laws in Belarus

Unlike its neighbouring countries, Belarus legalised most forms of gambling in 2001. As of 2021, 20 land-based casinos are in operation, most of which are located within the capital city of Minsk. In 2018 the law was expanded to include online gambling sites and online poker, which are both now legal in the country.

Key Facts

• Land-based and online casino gaming are legal, with operators requiring a licence.

• Offline and online poker gaming are legal via licensed operators.

• Offline and online bingo are legally permitted but no sites exist.

• Both land-based and online lotteries are offered under monopoly control.

• Sports betting is legal via licensed bookmakers and online sites.