GAMING CONTROL ACT

This system was modeled on par with similar standards adopted by successful gaming countries, and subsequently adjusted to create a modern program to suit the gaming industry. Gaming fosters economic growth and development through investments, which allows for job creation, transfer of skills and technology, earning of foreign exchange and linkages to the tourism sector and other sectors of the economy.

Benefits of Gaming Control Act

* Smooth and simple application process
* Designed specifically to encourage the hotel and tourism industry
* Tourists and qualified Belizean residents over 18 are allowed to enter gaming room and participate
* Gaming room allowed to stay open every day except Good Friday
* No additional fees attached to usage of slot machines
* Renewable license granted for a period of up to five years
* Year-round sub tropical climate
* Additional tourist attractions offered by Belize
* Strong and stable economy

Types of Gaming Licenses

1. Gaming License – is granted for Casinos.
2. Gaming Machine License – is granted for establishments featuring gaming machines such as any arcade machine, poker machine, slot machine, or any electro-mechanical device used in connection with or for the purpose of gaming
3. Online Gaming License – is granted when gaming occurs as a result of a player entering, negotiating, or receiving a bet by means of telecommunication.

Who qualifies ?
Large hotels either established or in the process of construction can apply for a gaming license. Furthermore, every person with the intention of using or permitting another person to use his premises for gaming is required to apply for a gaming license.

Applications for “Gaming License” An application form can be obtained from the Ministry of Finance (Revenue). A completed application form must be submitted to the Gaming Control Board in the Ministry of Finance (Revenue) with the following supporting documentation:

* Memorandum and Articles of Association of the applicant company, holding company and/or each subsidiary company.
* Copies of audited accounts of the applicant.
* Particulars of each person who has any financial interest in the entity applying.
* Full set of fingerprints of persons referred to in (3) above.
* Copy of personal identification card and two recent black & white photos of persons referred to in (3) above.
* Copy of Naturalization Documents of persons referred to in (3) above if persons are naturalized citizens or permanent resident of another country.
* Copies of title of ownership or of lease agreement to the hotel where licensed premises is situated. Must be minimum of a 4 or 5-star hotel, featuring no less than 50 rooms.
* Business Plan.
* Character references of applicant.
* No application fee.
* Upon approval, an Annual License Fee based on the number of rooms

» 50 – 60 rooms: US $50,000 » 61 – 199 rooms: US $100,000 » 200 or more rooms: US $300,000

Applications for “Gaming Machine License” An application form can be obtained from the Ministry of Finance (Revenue). A completed application form must be submitted to the Gaming Control Board in the Ministry of Finance (Revenue) with the following supporting documentation:

* Memorandum and Articles of Association of the applicant company, holding company and/or each subsidiary company.
* Copies of audited accounts of the applicant.
* Particulars of each person who has any financial interest in the entity applying.
* Full set of fingerprints of persons referred to in (3) above.
* Copy of personal identification card and two recent black & white photos of persons referred to in (3) above.
* Copy of Naturalization Documents of persons referred to in (3) above if persons are naturalized citizens or permanent resident of another country.
* Character references of applicant.
* Application fee of USD$500
* Upon approval Annual License Fee of USD$3,500 per gaming machine.

Applications for “Online Gaming License” An application form can be obtained from the Ministry of Finance (Revenue). A completed application form must be submitted to the Gaming Control Board in the Ministry of Finance (Revenue) with the following supporting documentation:

* Memorandum and Articles of Association of the applicant company, holding company and/or each subsidiary company.
* Copies of audited accounts of the applicant.
* Particulars of each person who has any financial interest in the entity applying.
* Full set of fingerprints of persons referred to in (3) above.
* Copy of personal identification card and two recent black & white photos of persons referred to in (3) above.
* Copy of Naturalization Documents of persons referred to in (3) above if persons are naturalized citizens or permanent resident of another country.
* Character references of applicant.
* No Application Fee.
* Upon approval Annual License Fee of USD$10,000.

For Further Information Contact

Ministry of Economic Development,
Sir Edney Caine Building, Belmopan City,
Cayo District. , Belize
Tel: (501) 822-2526 Fax: (501) 822-3673