Belarus has implemented new legal measures affecting electronic instant lotteries. Presidential Decree No. 64, signed on February 20, 2026, introduces participation restrictions and strengthens financial controls. The changes aim to protect minors as well as citizens subject to gambling restrictions.
Decree Updates Existing Lottery Legislation
President Alexander Lukashenko approved Decree No. 64, which amends provisions previously established under Decree No. 209 of May 4, 2007. The document updates the legal framework governing lottery operations in the country. The stated objective of the changes is to enhance protection for minors and other socially vulnerable groups.
Under the new regulations, individuals under 18 are prohibited from participating in electronic instant lotteries. The restriction also applies to citizens barred from entering gambling establishments, using online gambling platforms, or participating in gambling activities in general.
This brings lottery participation rules in line with existing gambling access restrictions.
Banks Must Refuse Lottery-Related Payment Transactions
The updated regulations introduce a mechanism requiring banks to block transactions related to lottery participation if initiated by restricted individuals. This primarily concerns payments for purchasing lottery tickets. As a result, banks become part of the enforcement process under the new framework.
The decree also stipulates that lottery participant accounts may be funded only through cashless payments. The use of cash for topping up lottery balances is prohibited. This measure is designed to ensure transparency and oversight of all financial transactions related to lotteries through the banking system.
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