Belarus Considers Sweeping Restrictions on Online Gambling Advertising

Belarus could introduce sweeping new restrictions on gambling advertising as the government considers a package of reforms aimed at reducing the visibility and appeal of betting and gaming activities.

The Telegraph Agency of Belarus has reported that discussions are underway over proposed changes to the country’s gambling advertising rules. While Belarus is far from one of Europe’s largest gambling markets and has attracted limited attention from major regulated operators, gambling periodically returns to the country’s political agenda.

In the latest development, draft legislation prepared by the Belarusian Ministry of Antimonopoly Regulation and Trade proposes a nationwide ban on advertising for online gambling products, including lotteries, sports betting and online casinos, although certain exceptions would apply.

The proposals would also introduce tighter controls on the forms of gambling marketing that remain permitted. Advertising gambling on public transport would be prohibited, while operators would be prevented from featuring people or animals in promotional campaigns.

Any form of bonus messaging would also be barred.

Gambling companies would face narrower broadcasting windows and would have access to fewer advertising channels. The overall objective of the proposed measures is to curb problem gambling by reducing both the attractiveness and visibility of gambling products.

The draft legislation has now been submitted for review.

Belarus’ proposed approach reflects a broader regulatory trend across Europe, where governments have significantly tightened gambling advertising rules in recent years. Italy, for example, has maintained a comprehensive ban on gambling marketing since 2018.

Spain also operates under strict advertising restrictions, although the country appears to be considering a limited easing of its regime following a Supreme Court decision. The ruling highlighted the need for licensed operators to maintain a stronger presence in the market as a way of helping to counter the growth of illegal gambling activity.

The Netherlands represents another recent example of the increasingly restrictive approach being adopted across Europe. Since the Dutch gambling market was re-regulated in 2021, authorities have pursued a prolonged clampdown on gambling advertising, resulting in restrictions on sports sponsorships and marketing on television, in print, in public spaces and on social media. The use of “role models,” including footballers, in gambling advertisements has also been prohibited.

The Dutch debate has since intensified, with the government proposing a ban on all forms of gambling advertising.

Compared with Italy, the Netherlands and Spain, Belarus remains a considerably smaller gambling market. On Blask’s index, Belarus is ranked 35th, while Italy, the Netherlands and Spain occupy eighth, 14th and 23rd places respectively.

Nevertheless, the Belarusian government appears no less determined to maintain tight control over the sector than its counterparts elsewhere in Europe. Authorities reportedly signalled their intention to strengthen gambling regulations in mid-2025, with a particular focus on preventing gambling revenue from leaving the country.

The latest draft proposals suggest that gambling advertising could now become the next major area targeted by Belarusian regulators as the country considers how far it should go in tightening oversight of the industry. 

By fLEXI tEAM