Belarusian president expresses frustration at visibility of gambling advertising

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has called for another review of the country’s rules on gambling advertising, according to state-controlled news agency Belta. The move follows what the agency describes as public frustration over how visible gambling promotions have become in the country.

Lukashenko raised the issue during a discussion on the matter, according to Belta, and reportedly expressed frustration at the level of gambling advertising on display. The report indicates he wants the advertising rules looked at again, though no specific new measures, timelines or legislative proposals have been announced. The detail available so far is limited to the president’s call for a fresh review rather than any concrete change to the law.

Belarus has an established regulated gambling market, with licensed casinos, betting shops and online operators operating under state oversight. Advertising rules in regulated markets generally exist to limit how gambling is promoted, particularly where promotions could reach minors or people at risk of harm. Across the sector, regulators and governments have increasingly revisited advertising and marketing restrictions in response to public concern, often tightening rules on where and how gambling brands can appear. This is not a uniquely Belarusian trend, but the Belarusian case is notable because the push is coming from the head of state rather than a gambling regulator.

For players in Belarus, nothing changes immediately. The president’s call for a review does not alter any existing licence conditions, account rules, deposit or withdrawal processes, or bonus terms. Until any new rules are actually drafted and brought into force, players with accounts at licensed Belarusian operators can continue to use them as before. If advertising restrictions are eventually tightened, the most likely practical effect would be less gambling promotion in public spaces and media rather than changes to how accounts operate. Players should treat this as a signal of possible future policy movement, not a change they need to act on now.

What to watch next is whether the review produces formal proposals, and whether those proposals focus narrowly on advertising visibility or extend to other parts of the licensed market. Any concrete change would need to pass through the country’s legislative or regulatory process before it affects operators or players.