Belize

Like other Central American countries, Belize was an early player in the online gaming space.

Belize's Computer Wagering Licensing Act, 1995, which came into force in May 1996, was the country's first attempt to regulate online gaming. The Act also provided for the licensing of operators who provided internet users with the facility to wager against each other on sporting events or other games of chance. The Belize Computer Wagering Licensing Board was given responsibility for reviewing applications and granting licenses.

In 2004, the Prime Minister signed a Statutory Instrument adjusting the Online Gaming Regime to make processing and monitoring more efficient and to reduce licensing fees from USD 50,000 to USD 15,000 for a non-exclusive license.

Licensees are required to maintain a separate bank account for processing wagers and may charge a processing fee up to 5% of each transaction or the sum of USD 20, whichever is greater. Operators also face a 15% withholding tax on payments of prizes. Annual licenses expire on March 31 regardless of the issuance date.

By law, online gaming licensees may not offer their services to residents of Belize. The new rules state only persons with integrity, competence and adequate financial means will be considered for a license.

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