To obtain a gaming or gambling license in Belize, company owners apply to the Gaming Control Board and observe the provisions of the Gaming Control Act and the Online Gaming Regulations. If you want to open a company in Belize that is involved in gambling or gaming (including online gaming), our team of experts in company formation in Belize can assist you with the registration and licensing phases.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Assistance with applications for a gaming or gambling license in Belize | We can help you apply for a license that is suitable to your gaming or gambling activities |
| Assistance with opening a gaming or gambling company Belize | Our team can also help with company formation in Belize |
| Local authority governing the gaming/gambling sector | The Gaming Control Board |
| Authority oversight provided by | The Ministry of Investment |
| Governing law | The Gaming Control Act |
| Separate provisions for online gaming | The Gaming Control Act’s Online Gaming Regulations |
| Conditions for the business form | Not a criterion for licensing |
| Conditions for the applicant | Must show good track record in the gaming industry |
| Gaming or gambling license application fee (approx.) | USD 5,000. Can be subject to change |
| Annual license fee (approx.) | USD 10,000. Can be subject to change |
| General documents required for licensing | Company documents, source of founds, name and information on the company’s shareholders and the identity of the applicant, etc. |
| Specific documents required for licensing | Investment amount, a description of the investment project and scope, etc. |
| Examples of general gaming activities | Casino-type activities, such as table games and slot machines |
| Examples of general gambling activities | Lottery, betting (multiple forms), etc |
| Examples of online gaming activities | Any type of game in which the player enters it by means of a telecommunication |
Table of Contents
What companies are required to obtain a gaming/gambling license in Belize?
All companies that intend to conduct gambling, gaming, or online gaming activities in Belize or offer these from Belize (and employ at least 25 people) must apply for a license.
Some examples of licensed gaming or gambling activities are traditional casino games (roulette, poker, blackjack, etc.) as well as slot machines. Online games are also subject to proper licensing in Belize.
Before investors can begin preparing the documents to obtain a gaming or gambling license in Belize, they are required to complete the company incorporation process.
Below, our team lists the main requirements for company formation in Belize:
- Select the business form (business company, limited liability company, public limited company);
- Prepare the incorporation documents (Memorandum and Articles of Association, application form, documents concerning the shareholders, directors, etc.);
- Register the company with the Belize Companies and Corporate Affairs Registry;
- Make the necessary submissions to obtain a gaming or gambling license in Belize.
What documents are required to license gaming/gambling companies in Belize?
The license for gaming and gambling, including online gaming activities, is issued by the Ministry of Investment, through its Gaming Control Board (the Chairman thereof).
The main documents required to receive the gaming/gambling license include the following:
- The application form, fully filled-in;
- The business plan for the gaming or gambling company;
- Copies of the Memorandum and Articles of Association;
- Copies of the audited accounts (balance sheet, profit and loss account, etc.);
- The Memorandum and Articles of Association of the subsidiary company (when the applicant is a holding company);
- Documents concerning the company shareholders, directors, partners, and secretary (these include their ID copies and a full set of fingerprints);
- Application fee payment proof;
- Other documents may be requested on a case-by-case basis by the Gaming Control Board.
As far as the business plan is concerned, the enclosed information will primarily refer to details about the company, its objectives and background, the marketing strategy (including information on the type and quality of services and competition), the organizational chart, financial projections for the following 5 years, and others.
Applicants who submit the documents to obtain a gaming or gambling license in Belize are required to keep in mind that dated documents (such as any reference letters, the application form, and others) cannot be more than 6 months old on the filing date.
What are some of the expected licensing fees for these types of companies?
Applying for a gaming or gambling license in Belize is subject to certain costs. We list some of these below:
- US5,000 application fee (non-refundable);
- US10,000 annual license fee.
Please keep in mind that these fees can be subject to change, and they do not include all the expected fees or costs related to opening a gaming or gambling company in Belize.
How can your team help me open a company in Belize and obtain the gaming/gambling license?
Our lawyers in Belize can answer questions about the Gaming Control Act and the Gaming Control (Online Gaming) Regulations, which are an integral part thereof.
Contact us for complete services related to company formation in Belize, including licensing for companies across different business sectors.