Belize as an offshore license for operators

Summary 2025

Belize has a clear legal framework for online gaming (Gaming Control Act + Online Gaming Regulations 2004) and a Gaming Control Board (GCB) regulator. However, since June 9, 2025, there has been an official moratorium on the issuance of online licenses, the government's notice explicitly states that no company is now licensed, and new licenses "will not be issued until further notice." Therefore, having issued a "Belize online license" today is impossible. Follow the reform in Parliament (Gaming and Lotteries Control Bill, 2025).

1) Legal framework and regulator

Basic Law: Gaming Control Act (Cap. 152, rev. 2020) - establishes GCB, supervision, tax and disciplinary mechanisms, powers for inspections and sanctions.

Special rules for online: Gaming Control (Online Gaming) Regulations, 2004 (S.I. No. 162/2004) - require a GCB license to "play online games in or out of Belize," describe filing procedures and sample forms.

Key body: Gaming Control Board (GCB) - reviews applications, sets conditions, monitors compliance and applies impact measures. The basis of authority and compliance is in Cap. 152.

2) Current status: moratorium on online licenses

• there is a moratorium on the issuance of online licenses;
• as of now, no company is licensed to operate from Belize;
• any person claiming otherwise is ordered to cease operations.

Practical conclusion: until the moratorium is lifted, it is impossible to issue/maintain an online license in Belize.

3) Who can apply (when the moratorium is lifted)

• must host/intend to host online games in or from Belize and employ a minimum of 25 employees;
• registered as an International Business Company (IBC) limited by shares and registered in Belize;
• pays a non-refundable US $5,000 application and an annual US $10,000 license fee;
• submits a business plan and a set of documents according to the list; The addressee of the submission is Chairman, Gaming Control Board (through the relevant ministry).

4) Focus on foreign markets

Historically, Belize's online mode was export-oriented: the license allowed operations "to or from Belize," with resident service restrictions reflected in the regulations and terms of the license (details - in S.I. No. 162/2004 and conditions issued). In any case, when renewing licensing, the conditions of the license and the current interpretations of GCB will be decisive.

5) What's preparing for change

The Gaming and Lotteries Control Bill, 2025, a consolidation bill designed to update the existing system, has been submitted to parliament. Until it is adopted and the moratorium is lifted, the current acts apply (Cap. 152 + Regs-2004), taking into account the moratorium. Follow National Assembly.

6) Procedures and documents (for regulator guide)

• 10 flashed copies of the application and business plan are submitted;
• business plan includes information about beneficiaries (> 10%), marketing (reference - tourist market), organizational structure, 5-year financial forecasts, KYC/AML compliance;
• attached are corporate documents (articles of association/incorporation), 3-year audit (if any), director/shareholder biography forms, prints, photos, etc.;
• payment of US $5,000 to the Treasury for the specified budget codes.

7) Pros and cons of Belizean jurisdiction (adjusted for 2025)

• Clear and compact regulatory structure: one basic act + specialized online regulations + a single regulator.
• Official public guides/forms, transparent filing bureaucracy.

• Online licenses are not issued: the market for online is actually closed "until further notice."
• The parameters of the new requirements (after the reform) are still unknown - regulatory uncertainty is high.

8) Checklist for operator

1. Check the status of the moratorium and any statements "we are licensed in Belize" - check with the official notice of June 9, 2025.

2. Prepare the package in advance: IBC,> 25 employees, business plan, KYC/AML policies - the guide kit will come in handy when you restart licensing.

3. Keep an eye on reform: Gaming & Lotteries Control Bill, 2025 review progress at National Assembly.

Belize has historically been an offshore site with separate online regulations and a centralized regulator, GCB. But since June 2025, the market for online licenses has been paused by an official moratorium. For operators, this means: it makes sense to consider Belize as a working jurisdiction only after the formal lifting of the moratorium and the publication of updated requirements (possible under the new law). Before that, focus on preparing documentation and monitoring official sources.