Belize authorities have intensified efforts to crack down on illegal lottery operations, declaring stringent measures against those engaged in the illicit sale of lottery tickets and jackpots. Perpetrators could face fines of up to $50,000, along with a maximum prison sentence of up to five years.
Officials from the Ministry of Finance in Belize reported a surge in complaints regarding the sale of illegal lottery tickets, leading to individuals spending money on receipts that clearly have no chance of winning.
It has been underscored by Belize authorities that only organizations licensed or specifically designated by the Lottery Committee are authorized to sell tickets and conduct "instant" lotteries, whether with or without jackpots.
In November 2023, the Belize government announced the resumption of lottery activities, with the first tickets becoming available for purchase on December 1. Prior to this, in May of the same year, all lottery games were suspended, resulting in no lottery drawings taking place in the country.
Situated on the east coast of Central America, bordering the Caribbean Sea, Belize has a population of just over 400 thousand people as of 2021.
