Last Updated: 8 december 2025
Belarus is one of the most interesting and stable gambling and betting hubs in Eastern Europe. Just 10 to 15 years ago, there were only a couple dozen offline casinos here, but today the market has evolved from a semi-closed industry into a fully regulated iGaming sector with licensed online casinos and bookmakers where users can legally gamble and place bets without risking being blocked.
How to direct traffic to online betting and casino websites in Belarus? In our latest review on 3S.INFO, we explore all the intricacies of the Belarusian iGaming landscape: analyzing legal regulations and restrictions, explaining how to reach local players and bring them to your site, and providing practical tips for audience acquisition.
This content serves informational purposes only. We do not endorse violations of local laws or service policies. Please familiarize yourself with local regulations and comply accordingly!
Legal iGaming: Why Choose Belarus?
- It’s simple: the country is compact (around 9.1 million people according to Belstat data), internet access is widespread in almost every household, and users are accustomed to online shopping and payments.
- The legalization of online gambling since 2019 has changed the game rules. Now, platforms are being created in Belarus, local brands are reaching regional levels, and media buyers have a rare opportunity to work officially in a white GEO with stable payment systems and clear legislation.
- For affiliates, this is a golden combination: technically prepared audience, localized language, moderate competition, and predictable regulation. Betting, casinos, slots, live games, esports — all these have already become part of the local digital culture. Moreover, unlike many CIS countries, gambling is truly permitted in Belarus, so operators don’t need to disguise themselves as offshore entities.
How Are Gambling Activities Regulated in Belarus?
Belarus’ legislative framework for gambling activities is among the most transparent in the post-Soviet region. The main document is Presidential Decree No. 226 “On Activities in the Field of Gambling Business,” dated June 6, 2025. This decree established licensing procedures, rules for online operators, state oversight mechanisms, and player protection measures.
The regulator is the Ministry of Taxes and Duties (MTD), which not only issues licenses but also oversees all payments, reporting, and compliance with regulations. Additionally, supervision is carried out by the State Control Committee.
In 2025, Belarus takes another step forward: the government introduces the concept of “self-restriction” for players, strengthens control over cross-border payments, and plans to ban betting on credit. These provisions will come into effect in 2026.
How to Obtain a Gaming License in Belarus?
A license in Belarus is more than just a formality. It can only be obtained after a thorough verification process. Applicants must be registered legal entities, conduct business within the country, have equipment (including servers) physically located in Belarus, and demonstrate financial stability.
The Ministry of Taxes and Duties (MTD) handles both issuance and renewal of licenses. In the registry, you can filter (advanced search) licenses by type of activity — “activities in the field of gambling.” As of December 2025, there are 147 issued licenses in the registry.
The cost of a license is not publicly disclosed, but according to consulting agencies and law firms, obtaining and fees range from $5,000 to $10,000 depending on the vertical (casino, bookmaker, gaming hall).
The license is valid indefinitely provided that regular fees are paid and no violations occur.
As of 2025, the list of legal online bookmakers and casinos includes major international brands such as Betera, Winline BY, Fonbet BY, Marathon, Maxline, Betcity, Brazino777, as well as several operators with local legal entities.
Taxes in Belarus for Gambling and Betting
Taxation in Belarus’s iGaming sector is straightforward: operators pay tax on gross gaming revenue (GGR) and licensing fees, while players pay tax on winnings.
Starting January 1, 2026, the Belarusian government plans to increase the tax rate for gambling operators. For land-based operators, it will rise from 4% to 5% of GGR, and for online operators, from 10% to 12%.
The state actively collects these revenues: according to Belstat and MTD data, in 2024, about 40 million Belarusian rubles were received from the gambling industry, including taxes from players (4%) and operators.
How Does the Belarusian Government Block Illegal Casino and Bookmaking Websites?
Belarus actively combats the grey segment. All domains outside the .by zone and without an MTD license are subject to blocking. In 2025, authorities strengthened this control — now banks are involved too. They are required to block transfers to accounts of foreign operators who do not have permission in the country.
Operating without a license incurs significant fines and possible confiscation of income. Payment providers collaborating with illegal operators are also held accountable.
Prospects for iGaming Development in Belarus
In 2026, new provisions of Decree No. 226 will come into force: players will be able to voluntarily restrict access to games (self-exclusion), and operators will be prohibited from accepting bets “on credit.”
These measures aim to prevent addiction and outflow of funds abroad. However, for the market, this is not a brake but rather a sign of maturity: Belarus seeks to establish a civilized, legal, and stable iGaming sector.
iGaming in Belarus: Country and Target Audience
Belarus is a compact, technologically advanced country with steady income levels and high internet penetration. As of early 2025, its population stands at 9,145,540 inhabitants. Major cities include the capital Minsk (approximately 2 million residents), Gomel (over 500 thousand residents), Mogilev (350 thousand residents), Vitebsk, Grodno, Brest, Bobruisk, Baranovichi.
Official languages are Belarusian and Russian, but 95% of users communicate in Russian.
The official currency is the Belarusian ruble (BYN).
Internet penetration exceeds 87%, and external bandwidth capacity reaches 3,920 Gbps. Smartphones are used by approximately 80% of adult residents, making mobile traffic crucial for media buying.
How to Advertise Online Casinos and Bookmakers Correctly in Belarus?
To legally advertise online casinos and bookmakers in Belarus, it is necessary to primarily study Article 23 of the Law “On Amending Laws Concerning Advertising” (№ 82-Z dated January 4, 2021). The law permits such advertising, but with important reservations.
Key prohibitions to consider when creating advertising materials:
- It is forbidden to promise guaranteed wins or present gambling as employment or a way to make money.
- It is prohibited to link success in life, sports, or career with participation in gambling.
- Images of children and adolescents cannot be used.
- Misrepresentation of real odds (exaggerating the probability of winning or minimizing risks) is not allowed.
- Condemning or mocking those who do not play is prohibited.
Target Audience for Gambling and Betting in Belarus
The target audience for iGaming and betting in Belarus generally aligns with global trends, but taking into account local regulatory features and economic conditions.
Who Plays Games of Chance?
The typical Belarusian gambler is a man aged 25–45, with a stable income, accustomed to paying online, and preferring Russian-language interfaces. He follows sports, enjoys predictions and analytical Telegram channels, places bets on local events and international tournaments.
Football and ice hockey traditionally lead the charts, followed by casino games (Pragmatic Play, Amatic slots), roulette, and live games. However, interest in esports (CS 2, Dota 2, Valorant) and live betting has grown rapidly in recent years.
Female audience is gradually increasing, particularly in online casinos and live games. Globally, women’s share in betting is approaching one-third, and Belarus is following this trend.
Most players have a stable income (full-time job), focusing on leisure and additional emotions rather than “earning through playing.”
Behavior Patterns and Preferences of Belarusian Players
- Sports Betting and Casinos: Football and hockey dominate betting, along with top European leagues. Slot machines and live casinos are popular in casinos, while older audiences prefer offline venues.
- Mobile Format: A large portion of online betting and gaming occurs via smartphones. Players value simple apps, quick deposits/payouts, and minimal steps for placing bets.
- Live Activity: Approximately 60% of global online bets are placed in live mode, and Belarusian bookmakers adapt to this trend by expanding their live line and broadcasts.
What Matters to Belarusian Casino Players and Bookmakers?
- Reliability and Licensing: Users increasingly choose licensed operators due to stricter controls and blocking of illegals.
- Payment Speed and Convenience: Instant deposits, fast withdrawals, and clear limits are highly valued.
- Bonuses and Promotions: Welcome free bets, cashback, and loyalty programs are popular, but experienced players focus mainly on coefficients and live convenience.
Deposit Payment Methods in Belarus
The Belarus payment infrastructure is one of the strong points of the market. Both local banks and international cards operate effectively.
Operators accept BYN, and users easily deposit through ERIP, Visa/MasterCard cards, and bank transfers.
Popular Deposit and Withdrawal Payment Methods in Belarus
| Type | Examples | Features |
| Bank Cards | Visa, MasterCard (Belarusbank, Belinvestbank, Priorbank) | Instant Deposits |
| Electronic Payments | WebPay, iPay, ERIP | Supported by All Legal Bookmakers |
| Bank Transfer | Local Banks | Safe and Legal |
| Crypto | Through Certified Fintech Providers | Used Limitedly |
Affiliate Marketing in Belarus: Traffic and Case Studies
Belarus is an excellent GEO for media buying if localization is done correctly.
Russian language, working payment methods, low competition, and legal status provide room for testing.
- Telegram channels and sports communities convert best, where the audience trusts predictions and bonuses.
- SEO traffic works too, but promotion should target queries like “Betting Belarus”, “Bookmaker.by”, “Online Casino Belarus”.
- Content marketing is one of the best tools: reviews of bookmakers, predictions, top game collections, bonus comparisons.
- Video formats and streams on YouTube provide great retention and cheap leads, especially for betting.
Main User Acquisition Channels for Casino and Bookmaker Websites
| Channel | Format | Characteristics |
| Telegram | Predictions, Offers, Creatives | High Engagement |
| VK / YouTube | Sports Communities, Video Reviews | Trust and Retention |
| SEO | Localized Landing Pages | Stable Organic Traffic |
| Streams | Live Betting, Esports | Works Well for Young Audience |
| Content Marketing | Articles, Bonuses, Analytics | Long-Term Audience |
Belarus is a regulated, stable, and profitable iGaming market. Legal operators work here, the state oversees the process, and the audience is ready to spend money.
For media buyers, this is a chance to test a GEO where there’s no need to hide, where they can build a brand and scale offers.
The key is to monitor changes in Presidential Decree No. 226, work with licensed brands, and use local payment methods.
While the market is not yet saturated, media buyers have a window of opportunity: 2026 is the best time to enter Belarus’s iGaming market!
FAQ
How is Gambling Regulated in Belarus and Who Issues Licenses?
The key document is Presidential Decree No. 226 “On Activities in the Field of Gambling Business,” which outlines the rules for online operators, licensing procedures, and player protection measures. The regulator is the Ministry of Taxes and Duties (MTD), which issues and renews licenses, controls payments, and ensures compliance with legislation, in cooperation with the State Control Committee.
How to Obtain a Gambling Business License in Belarus?
Only a legal entity registered in Belarus, which operates in the country, locates its equipment and servers within the republic, as well as confirms its financial stability, can obtain a license. The process involves a serious vetting procedure, and the license itself is indefinite, provided fees are paid and no violations occur. As of the end of 2025, the registry contains about a hundred active licenses for various verticals.
How Does Belarus Treat Illegal Casinos and Gambling Advertising?
All sites without a .by domain and without an MTD license are subject to blocking. Furthermore, banks are obligated to block payments to illegal foreign operators. Operating without a license entails fines and confiscation of revenue. Gambling advertising is permitted under Law No. 82-Z but is strictly limited. It is prohibited to promise guaranteed winnings, portray gambling as a form of income, use images of children, or misrepresent the odds of winning.
What Audience and Which Traffic Channels Perform Best in Belarus?
The typical player is a man aged 25-45 with a stable income, accustomed to online payments, and interested in sports, betting, and Russian-language services. Interest in esports and live betting is growing actively, and the female audience is particularly noticeable in online casinos and live dealer games. For traffic acquisition, Telegram channels and sports communities, YouTube and VK, SEO for local queries like “bets Belarus” and “online casino Belarus,” as well as content marketing and streams with live betting, work effectively.
Why is Belarus Attractive for iGaming?
Belarus legalized online gambling in 2019, and now licensed online casinos and bookmakers operate here. Players can legally place bets and play without the risk of blocks. The country is compact (about 9.1 million people), with high internet penetration and a population accustomed to online payments, making the audience technically ready and convenient for media buyers and operators.
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