Belarus has closed financial access to foreign online casinos and strengthened controls over domestic operators under a reform disclosed on July 29, 2026, although it has legally been in force since March 11. Banks, card issuers and non-bank financial institutions must reject transfers from individuals to international platforms without a Belarusian licence.
The measure derives from Presidential Decree No. 226, signed by Alexander Lukashenko on June 6, 2025, and Council of Ministers Resolution No. 764, approved on December 24 by the government of Alexander Turchin. The Ministry of Taxes and Duties, headed by Dmitry Kiyko, regulates and licenses the market. First Deputy Minister Vladimir Mukvich oversees control and licensing, while Marina V. Nevinskaya heads the Gambling Business Directorate.
Alexander Turchin
Each customer may retain only one account per platform. Operators must block duplicates, confirm that cards, bank accounts and electronic wallets belong to the player, and verify identities through video identification or an in-person visit. At land-based casinos, identification documents must be checked upon entry and again at cash desks or payment terminals. Customers under 21, self-excluded individuals and people included in restriction registers cannot gamble.
Dmitry Kiyko
Withdrawals will only be authorised after at least 70% of the deposit has been wagered. Cryptocurrency may be processed exclusively through authorised residents of Minsk’s High-Tech Park. Betting, prize, payment and bonus rules must be displayed before the first wager; disputes will proceed through the operator or civil courts.
Security recordings must be retained for 60 days, compared with 30 previously, while digital records must remain on Belarus-based servers for five years. Virtual casinos must certify their systems before July 1, 2027.
Financial guarantees reach 90,000 base units, or BYN4.05 million, for virtual casinos and 20,000 units, or BYN900,000, for sports-only operators. Kiyko estimates that online gambling represents 70% of national turnover; foreign customers account for 16% of players after increasing fivefold since 2018.
