written and last updated by
Sam Smith at
01 Apr 2021
Journalist, Editorial Department
As of April 1, 2021, the Republic of Belarus has implemented new regulations governing the organization and conduct of online gambling. The relevant decree has been published on the website of the Ministry of Taxes and Duties.
Under the new law, only operators that have obtained the appropriate license within Belarus are permitted to engage in such activities. Any online casino operations providing gambling services without government authorization will face strict penalties, with the addresses of such websites being blocked without prior notice.
In an interview, Yulia Leshkova, Deputy Director of Parimatch Belarus, commented on the legislative changes: "As a result of the latest adjustments, some gambling operators will be forced to suspend their activities within this jurisdiction starting April 1. I believe they will only be able to resume operations after meeting all the requirements set by the authorities. However, I expect the industry to fully recover in the coming months."
She also noted that the Belarusian office of the bookmaker and online casino operator Parimatch had already complied with all government requirements well before the new decree was issued.
Additionally, Leshkova emphasized, "A local license is required to operate in the Republic of Belarus. This has been known since 2018, when the gambling industry was first addressed. It logically follows that there is a requirement for the immediate blocking of all foreign online casino operators and bookmakers that have not resolved their issues with the state. To be honest, this practice is applied in all regulated markets."
Leshkova added that these requirements are justified, as they form the foundation for ensuring transparency in the industry.
It is worth noting that there are proposals in the State Duma to prohibit banks from collaborating with online casinos.
