Draft legislation in Belarus proposes a ban on online gambling adverts and tight restrictions on other advertising channels, according to the Belarusian Telegraph Agency (BelTA). The state news agency reports that discussions are under way on a package of reforms aimed at severely tightening rules around gambling advertising in the country.
The proposed reforms, as outlined by BelTA, would introduce a comprehensive ban on online gambling advertisements and impose strict limitations on advertising through other media. The exact scope of the restrictions and the timeline for implementation have not been detailed in the initial reports, but the move signals a significant regulatory shift for the gambling sector in Belarus.
Regulators across the globe have increasingly moved to restrict gambling advertising, citing concerns about problem gambling and the exposure of minors to gambling content. Several European countries have implemented partial or full bans on gambling ads, particularly for online platforms, and Belarus appears to be following this trend. The draft legislation is part of a broader effort to tighten the regulatory framework around gambling in the country.
For players in Belarus, the proposed changes could mean that they will no longer see online gambling advertisements, which may affect how they discover new casinos or sportsbooks. However, the restrictions are aimed at advertising, not at the operation of gambling services, so existing accounts and the ability to deposit and withdraw funds are unlikely to be directly impacted. Players should monitor the progress of the legislation to understand if any further restrictions on gambling activities are introduced.
Observers will be watching to see how the draft legislation progresses through the Belarusian parliament and whether the final version includes any exemptions or transitional periods for existing advertisers.