Gambling Control Act 2000 (Belize)

1) What is this law and why is it spoken of as the "law of 2000"

Belize's key legal document for gambling activities is the Gaming Control Act (Cap. 152). It was adopted in the late 1990s (Act 24 of 1999) and entered the 2000 Revised Edition of Laws, and today is available in the official Revised Edition 2020. The document defines the basic concepts, licensing, supervision and responsibility in the field of gambling.

2) Who Regulates: Gaming Control Board

The law establishes and empowers the Gaming Control Board, a body that reviews applications, issues/suspends licenses, monitors compliance and applies sanctions. The updated edition also provides for appeals procedures (Appeals Tribunal).

3) What is covered by the law

Act covers casinos and other "gaming premises," slot machines, bingo, etc., prohibiting the operation of a "common gaming house" without a license and introducing a system of checks, accounting and tax duties. Violations (work without a license, tax evasion, disobedience to regulations, etc.) entail administrative and criminal fines.

4) Types of permits and basic requirements (short)

Licenses for premises/casinos: tied to the location and conditions of its operation (requirements for the owner, management, hall plans, security, opening hours).

Special permits/registrations: for equipment and format of games.

Supervision and reporting: right of inspection, maintenance of registers, payment of fees and taxes within the time limits specified in the law/regulations.

Appeals: the applicant/licensee may appeal the decisions in due course.

5) Online gaming: How Act and by-laws are linked

Although the basic Act is focused on offline objects, the online sector is regulated through bylaws to Cap. 152 - in particular, Online Gaming Regulations, 2004. These rules directly tie the issuance of online licenses to the powers of the Board for Gaming Control Act, establish requirements for the applicant, infrastructure, reporting and responsibility.

The state's position today is unequivocal: any online activity in Belize requires a license under the Gaming Control Act and Online Gaming Regulations; governments regularly issue notices against illegal ones. com, mistakenly claiming a "Belizean license." In 2025, it was officially emphasized that licensing online games is the competence of the Board, and the dissemination of false information is unacceptable (a moratorium on new online licenses was also reported).

6) Taxes, fees and liability

Part IV of the law focuses on offences and penalties: prohibition of operation without a license, liability for tax evasion/non-compliance with regulations, obstruction of inspection, etc. The specific size and procedure for charging are established in the Act itself and by-laws (including online regulations), and are also supplemented by AML/CTF requirements of related legislation.

7) How the law evolves: updating norms

Cap text. 152 is kept up to date through official Revised Editions (e.g. 2020). In addition, in 2025, Gaming and Lotteries Control Bill, 2025, was introduced to parliament, the purpose of which is to consolidate and modernize gambling legislation (including replacing a number of old acts and bringing the online part to modern standards). The final configuration will depend on the passage of the bill.

8) Practical side for applicants and operating operators

1. Check the applicability of Cap. 152 to your format (offline object/online platform) and what set of by-laws is required.

2. Prepare dossiers for Board requirements: owners/directors, sources of funds, security & compliance, room plans (for offline), IT contour and reporting (for online).

3. Comply with AML/CTF: KYC procedures, transaction monitoring and staff training.

4. Put RG tools (responsible game): age restrictions, limits, self-exclusion (for online - according to regulations).

5. Follow government notifications/Board: in particular, on issues of illegal online activity and licensing status.

9) Frequent Questions (FAQs)

Is this the "same" Belize casino law?

Yes I did. For the ground sector - it is the Gaming Control Act (Cap. 152). It sets the framework for supervision, licenses and sanctions. The online part is implemented through Online Gaming Regulations (2004) based on the same Cap. 152.

Why is there a different name - Gambling vs. Gaming Control Act?

In practice and in the media, terms are sometimes mixed. The official name is Gaming Control Act (Cap. 152); it is included in Revised Edition 2000/2020.

Is Belize issuing online licenses now?

The government has repeatedly published notifications of strict control and warnings of false statements; indicated a moratorium. Check status directly with the Gaming Control Board.

Gaming Control Act (Cap. 152) - the foundation of the Belizean gambling vertical: from the definition of "gaming premises" to the powers of the Gaming Control Board, the structure of licenses, tax discipline and sanctions. For the online market, Online Gaming Regulations (2004) apply, directly based on this law. Keep focus on three things: valid license, AML/CTF compliance and official notification tracking - this is what defines the "legal perimeter" in the Belize market today.