How to get a gambling license in Belize?
Gambling license is a document which allows operators to launch and operate virtual casinos legally. License acquisition is a crucial, but sometimes complicated and expensive step on the way to running an iGaming business. Fortunately, there are several jurisdictions, where you can apply for the permit on convenient and favorable terms. One of them is Belize, where you shouldn’t pay a lot and wait for months. Application fees in this location are quite affordable even for newcomers and the time for consideration of the application in Belize is only 24 hours.
Keep reading to learn more about gambling in Belize, figure out how to obtain a belizean online casino license and why it is worth it.
Belize gambling laws and regulations: Is gambling legal in Belize?
Belize is a country located in the North of Central America, and it was called British Honduras until 1973. Belize was the last British colony on the American mainland. This jurisdiction is rapidly developing the online gaming industry, in particular, internet casinos. In order to improve the conditions for conducting gambling business in Belize, government authorities made a number of amendments to the Gaming Control Act in 2000. At the same time, it was decided to legalize the activities of virtual casinos. These changes came into force in October 2004. Since then, every operator who wants to start a Belize online gambling business can obtain a gambling license.
Another important legal document is the Computer Wagering Licensing Act of 1995. According to it, virtual betting under the gaming control online was allowed. The law mandates the licensing of online bookmakers in the jurisdiction.
The Belize Gaming Control Board issues licenses that cover all types of iGaming and sports betting. This fact is an advantage for operators, as it greatly simplifies the procedure of applying for a gambling license. Important to know that although the permit is issued for 12 months, it expires on the last day of March regardless of when it was issued.
Types of online gambling licenses in Belize
Belize offers a range of gambling licenses, each intended to the specific type of gambling activities.
- Online casino Belize licenses. This document permits the operation of online casinos (any types of casino gambling services).
- Land-based casino licenses. It allows running physical casinos, particularly within designated tourist regions.
- Sportsbook Belize licenses. Betting license provides the ability to manage and accept bets on a wide array of sporting events.
Requirements for obtaining a gambling license in Belize
The Belize casino license is in high demand and is issued to entrepreneurs with an impeccable reputation. In order to obtain a gambling license, operators need to make a lot of effort and fulfill all requirements of a country.
The main requirements for licensees:
- It is needed to register a Belize gaming company. The company must have international status (International Business Company (IBC Belize));
- Applicants should provide personal data of key employees to the Gaming Control Board;
- Certificates of no criminal record of directors and managers are also needed;
- The business founders must have a Belize citizenship. If the operator doesn’t live on the territory of Belize and doesn’t have citizenship of this country, he must submit an application to obtain citizenship and provide the commission a copy of it;
- All beneficiaries of the business must provide proof of identity and 2 photos;
- Statements of profit or loss for the last three years are needed;
- Operator should collect all required documents and attach them to the application;
- Fingerprints of all directors, founders, shareholders, and beneficiaries of the Belize offshore company should be provided to the body.
In addition to the basic requirements for obtaining a license for a casino in Belize, there are also requirements for deposits of a company that is engaged in gambling activities:
- Operators should provide the availability of guarantee deposits and reserves at the Central Bank of Belize to avoid the company’s bankruptcy.
- If the operator decides to withdraw the funds from the reserve account, he is obliged to notify the Gambling Commission about this.
- Operators must pay all winnings to players on time.
Preparing a business plan is not obliged but recommended.
Belize gaming license cost and taxes
Operators are obliged to pay the following Belize gambling license fees:
| Fees | Price |
| Submission of an application | $15,000 |
| Registration and trade association fees | $5,000 |
| Guide services | $500 |
| Renewal fee | $10,000 |
| Annual fees | $5,000 |
And what about taxes for belizean online casinos? Taxes are 0.75% of your yearly total income, but you won’t pay more than $250,000, no matter how much you make.
Moreover, if an operator runs the only online gaming business and operates outside of Belize, he might qualify for a tax exemption.
Advantages and disadvantages of online gambling Belize license
Advantages
- Fast process of issuing a gambling licence (if operators follow all jurisdictional requirements, they receive a license within 24 hours after submitting an application);
- Reasonable gaming license cost in Belize, which makes licensing there a cost effective solution;
- Strong business relations with other Latin American economies thanks to Belize’s membership in the Caribbean community CARICOM;
- Ensuring the protection of personal data;
- Belize is an English speaking nation, which facilitates communication and hiring employees;
- Ability to use popular payment systems and buy official software for gambling sites.
Disadvantages
- The procedure for preparing all the necessary documents takes a lot of time;
- It doesn’t matter in which month your licence is issued, it will expire on March 31 in any case.
Where else to get a gambling license?
If for some reason a Belize license is not suitable for you or you are in doubt, explore other popular jurisdictions and licensing requirements there. For example, it is worth paying attention to Anjouan, an offshore jurisdiction that offers excellent conditions for new gambling operators. In the table below we compare the licensing procedures in Belize and Anjouan.
| Jurisdiction | Application fee | Renewal fee | Taxes | Consideration time | Validity term |
| Belize | $15,000 | $10,000 | 0.75% on gross annual turnover | 24 hours | 1 year |
| Anjouan | Approx. $10,000 – $15,000 | $10,000 | 0% corporate tax | 4-8 weeks | 1 year |
As you can see, the licensing conditions in these two locations are very similar and quite cost effective, which means there are decent alternatives to legalizing gambling in Belize.
Conclusion
If you want to make an application process easier or just need to get a Belize gambling guide for licensing, contact LicensingAid. Our specialists know all about gambling in Belize. They can support you during the procedure, providing legal advisory and international financial services and assistance with the collection of documents. With professional help, you can be calm and confident in obtaining the desired license.
Belize gambling license FAQs
Let’s now briefly answer the most popular questions about the Belize gaming licence.
Obtaining a Belize license: terms and fees
To obtain a gambling license in Belize, operators must meet several key requirements. First, they must establish a Belize-registered gaming international company and provide personal data and background checks for key employees. Directors, managers, and shareholders must supply proof of identity and certificates of no criminal record. All business founders must either be Belize citizens or apply for citizenship. The application requires detailed financial documents, including profit/loss statements and fingerprints of all major stakeholders. Operators must also maintain guarantee deposits with the Central Bank of Belize.
The gaming licensing process involves several fees: a $15,000 application fee, $5,000 annual fee, and $10,000 for renewal. Taxes are set at 0.75% of yearly income, capped at $250,000. However, online operators working outside Belize may qualify for tax exemptions.
Documents for obtaining a belizean license
Here is a list of documents that a gaming website owner needs to collect:
- Certificate of Incorporation, Articles of Association and Memorandum of Association
- Proof of financial solvency (bank statements)
- AML (Anti-Money Laundering) policy
- Biographies, proofs of identity and certificates of good conduct of managers and key employees
- Descriptions of all games conducted and software used
- RNG certificates
What can prevent you from getting a belize gambling casinos license
Several factors can prevent you from getting a Belize gambling license. First, if your key employees or directors have a criminal record, this will disqualify you immediately. Also, not being a Belize citizen or failing to apply for citizenship can block your application. Incomplete documentation, especially missing financial records or proof of identity, can also delay or deny your license. Another key requirement is ensuring you have sufficient funds at the Central Bank of Belize to prevent bankruptcy. If you don’t meet these, your application will likely be rejected.
Is it possible to apply for a Belize gambling license online?
Yes, you can apply online. However, your physical presence is required for some licensing procedures, such as notarizing documents or submitting fingerprints.
