Demanding licence from Belize's Gaming Control Board
Belize Gaming Licence
Belize is not the easy offshore option people expect. It has a real, strict online-gaming regime, but it requires a US$500,000 deposit with the Central Bank, at least 25 local employees, and only around two operators currently hold it. We'll set it up if it genuinely fits your scale, and we'll tell you honestly when a lighter licence serves you better.
What is the Belize gaming licence?
Belize is often listed as a cheap, easy offshore licence — and that reputation is misleading. Yes, the keyword competition is low, but the actual regime is demanding. Online gaming is regulated by the Gaming Control Board under the Gaming Control Act, operating without a licence is an offence, and the Board takes a strict line: only around two online-gaming companies currently hold valid certificates.
The requirements are substantial: a Belize company, at least 25 local employees, and a US$500,000 indemnity deposited with the Central Bank of Belize. First-year cost is dominated by that deposit; running fees drop to about $10,000 a year from year two, and turnover is taxed at just 0.75% (capped at $250,000). For a large, committed operator it can work — but for most, a lighter licence like Anjouan or Nevis delivers a live product far faster and cheaper. We'll be straight with you about which.
Why operators pick Belize
A strictly enforced regime with very few holders, so the credential carries real weight.
0.75% of turnover, capped at $250,000 — efficient for high-volume operators.
From year two, renewal is around $10,000 a year.
A local company and 25-strong team create genuine economic presence — useful for banking.
We'll only recommend Belize when your scale and commitment actually justify it.
Belize vs. Anjouan
| Criteria | Belize | Anjouan |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront capital | $500,000 deposit | None |
| Local employees | At least 25 | None |
| Ongoing fee | ≈ $10,000/yr | €17,828/yr |
| Tax | 0.75% turnover (cap $250k) | 0% GGR |
| Holders | ~2 currently | 1,500+ |
| Timeline | Fast once DD complete | 4–8 weeks |
| Best suited to | Large, committed operators | Almost everyone else |
Who the Belize gaming licence suits
Belize gaming licence requirements
How to get a Belize gaming licence
- Feasibility check We assess whether the deposit and staffing make sense for you before anything else. Days
- Company & substance Incorporate the Belize company, build the local team and arrange the Central Bank deposit. Weeks–months
- Application & due diligence Submit to the Gaming Control Board and complete its due-diligence process. Variable
- Licence & launch Once due diligence clears, the Board can license quickly and you go live. Fast on clearance
Not sure Belize is the right fit?
Tell us your product and target markets — we'll confirm whether Belize or another jurisdiction gets you live fastest, at the lowest all-in cost.
How much does a Belize gaming licence cost?
- Scale and cost assessment
- Comparison with lighter licences
- Structuring recommendation
- Go / no-go decision
- Belize company incorporation
- Local substance & team setup
- Central Bank deposit arrangement
- Full Gaming Control Board application
- Everything in Turnkey
- Banking & PSP introductions
- Corporate accounts
- Ongoing compliance support
Year-one cost is dominated by the $500,000 Central Bank deposit; the licence fees themselves are modest and drop to ~$10,000/yr from year two, with a 0.75% turnover tax capped at $250,000. Because the deposit and 25-employee rule are heavy, we recommend Belize only when your scale genuinely justifies it.
Compliance obligations in Belize
Technical & IT standards in Belize
After you go live in Belize
Which markets a Belize licence reaches
Belize supports broad international reach, but a licence is not market access. Operators geo-block regulated markets they are not separately licensed in, plus sanctioned and FATF-listed territories.
Operators must use GEO-IP blocking for restricted countries and any FATF-blacklisted nation. Non-compliance can lead to licence suspension or revocation.
Belize gaming licence FAQ
Is a Belize gambling licence cheap and easy?
No — that's a common misconception. While keyword competition is low, the regime is demanding: a Belize company, at least 25 local employees, and a US$500,000 indemnity deposited with the Central Bank. Only around two online-gaming companies currently hold valid certificates. For most operators a lighter licence is a better fit.
How much does it really cost?
The application fee is around $15,500 and renewal about $10,000/year from year two, but year-one cost is dominated by the $500,000 Central Bank deposit. Turnover is taxed at 0.75%, capped at $250,000.
How many employees do I need?
At least 25 local employees — Belize is a genuine substance jurisdiction.
Who is Belize actually right for?
Large, well-capitalised operators who can fund the deposit and a real local team, and who value the credibility of a strictly-enforced, rarely-issued licence. If that's not you, we'll steer you to Anjouan, Nevis or Curaçao.
How fast can it be issued?
The Board states a licence can be issued quickly once due diligence is complete — but assembling the deposit, team and documentation is the real timeline.
Reviewed by the Vantegris licensing team. Last updated September 2026. This page is general information, not legal advice. Licensing requirements vary by jurisdiction and change over time.
Start your Belize file.
Tell us your product and target markets and we will map the licence route. The consultation is free and confidential, and most enquiries get a reply within 24 hours.