Belarus Cancels Approval of Gambling Rules

In Belarus, starting from March 11, 2026, organizers of land-based and online gambling will be able to independently approve the rules for organizing and conducting gambling activities without coordination with the Ministry for Taxes and Duties (MTD). After approval, the rules must be submitted to the control system (SCCS) within two business days.

Changes in Gambling Regulation

Cancellation of Approval by the MTD

The changes are related to the entry into force of provisions of Presidential Decree of the Republic of Belarus No. 226 “On Activities in the Gambling Business” and Council of Ministers Resolution No. 764 “On the Procedure for Carrying Out Activities in the Gambling Business.”

From the specified date, the approval of gambling rules by the Ministry for Taxes and Duties is отменed.

Procedure for Approving and Submitting Rules

Obligations of Organizers

Under the established procedure, rules for organizing and conducting gambling activities—except for games whose parameters are defined by software or technical documentation—must be approved directly by the organizers.

After approval, such rules must be mandatorily submitted to the special computer cash register system, which ensures control over gambling turnover, no later than two business days.

Requirements for the Content of Rules

Mandatory Information

The list of mandatory information that must be included in the rules and submitted to the SCCS is defined separately for each type of gambling activity.

The relevant requirements are set out in the regulations governing activities related to casinos, bookmakers, totalizators, and virtual gambling establishments, approved by Council of Ministers Resolution No. 764.

Loss of Validity of Previous Rules

Repeal of the Existing Resolution

The MTD Resolution dated January 31, 2019, No. 9, which previously defined the list of information required in gambling rules, will lose force on March 11, 2026.

Liability for Violations

Administrative Measures

The Ministry for Taxes and Duties reminds that organizing and conducting gambling activities under rules that do not comply with legal requirements or that have not been submitted to the SCCS constitutes an administrative offense.

Such actions fall under liability provided for in Part 6 of Article 13.6 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Republic of Belarus.