President of the Republic of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko introduced mandatory personal identification of players via video session or visiting the betting point
President of the Republic of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko introduced mandatory personal identification of players via video session or visiting the betting point, legislatively prohibited multi-accounting, and blocked transfers to offshore operators
President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko signed Decree No. 226 “On Activities in the Gambling Business” on June 6.
Main Provisions of the Decree on Activities in the Gambling Business
The document is aimed at regulating the gambling business and strengthening control over its implementation. The adopted Decree, in particular, tightened the mechanism for identifying participants in gambling.
Identification of Players
- Registration in virtual gambling establishments will take place either by personal visit to a real gambling establishment or through an online video session.
- Having more than one gaming account (multi-accounting) is prohibited.
- Players are prohibited from participating in gambling on behalf of third parties.
Restrictions and Requirements for Organizers and Banks
- Game organizers are prohibited from providing electronic cards, money, and other payment means if visitors do not have the required amount.
- Banks and non-bank credit and financial organizations are not allowed to transfer funds of individuals in favor of foreign gambling organizers.
Additional Measures and Changes in the Gambling Business
| Parameter | Change According to the Decree |
|---|---|
| Retention period for video recordings | Increased from 30 to 60 days from the date of recording |
| Use of gaming machines | Operation of machines older than 10 years is allowed upon confirmation of compliance with the state register |
| Use of cryptocurrency | Allowed only through residents of the High Technology Park — operators of crypto platforms or cryptocurrency exchange |
Control and Prevention of Criminal Schemes
The Decree enshrines measures to suppress criminal schemes in the gambling business, including the mechanism for identifying the origin of individuals’ funds to allow participation in gambling.
Conclusion
The new Decree aims to make the gambling business in Belarus more transparent and safe for participants. An important innovation is the mandatory personal identification of players via video session or visiting a betting point, as well as the prohibition of multi-accounting and restrictions on transfers to foreign operators.