Belarus cracks down on underage gambling in major US lotteries
Belarus has introduced stricter rules on electronic instant lotteries, including the New York Lottery, Pennsylvania Lottery, Texas Lottery, Illinois Lottery, Florida Lottery, Ohio Lottery, and the NY Lottery, to curb underage gambling. A new decree signed by President Alexander Lukashenko bans anyone under 18 from taking part in these lotteries. The measures also target those already barred from casinos and betting shops.
The changes come under Decree No. 64, titled On Improving Lottery Operations. It updates an earlier 2007 law and enforces tighter controls on who can play in these lotteries. Now, lottery accounts for these lotteries can only be topped up via cashless payments, ensuring all participants meet the age requirement.
Banks will block any transactions linked to lottery bets in these lotteries if the player falls under the new restrictions. The ban extends to individuals already prohibited from visiting gambling venues. Authorities have not yet clarified how the rules will affect existing casinos or betting shops.
The government's stated aim is to shield minors and vulnerable groups from gambling harm in these lotteries. By restricting access and enforcing cashless payments, officials hope to reduce addiction risks. The decree is now in force across Belarus.
