Belarus plans broad ban on online gambling advertising

The government of Belarus is planning to implement a number of new regulations that might ban almost all forms of online advertising for casinos, gaming and other gambling services. If the proposed bill gets adopted, it will ban online ads related to gaming services and electronic games while placing certain limitations on ads published for lotteries and gambling venues. Transportation ads will also be subject to similar prohibitions, and a separate set of regulations will encompass advertisements on radio and television. The new law will introduce substantial changes as the attitude of Belarus towards digital gambling advertising has been mostly positive. Earlier in January, Google adjusted its regulations for gambling ads in Belarus and allowed the licensed companies to carry out ads promoting poker, sport betting, lotteries, and other types of gambling. The new regulations will significantly limit the previously provided opportunities. The initiative is a part of activities aimed at tightening gambling-related regulations in Belarus. In particular, the presidential decree No.226 that started to operate on March 11, 2026, introduced additional limitations to the gambling environment in the country. Belarusian banks have also been required to block payments made by citizens to foreign online casinos, directing gambling activity towards locally licensed operators. The proposal is still subject to the government approval process, meaning its provisions could change before it reaches the final legislative stage.