Georgia is planning to introduce a new licensing framework aimed at attracting foreign online gambling operators, allowing them to legally enter the market while restricting access for Georgian citizens. The legislative amendments to the Law on Lotteries, Gambling, and Other Prize Games have already been submitted to Parliament and are requested to be considered under an accelerated procedure.
Under the proposed changes, only foreign nationals and stateless persons will be allowed to participate in online casino, slot machine, and betting games operated under the new “international organization” licenses. These operators will be subject to a reduced 5% gross gaming revenue (GGR) tax, compared to the standard 20% rate applied to existing online casinos accessible to Georgian citizens.
According to the explanatory note, the reform is intended to increase the number of licensed operators in Georgia, strengthen the country’s position as a competitive and innovation-driven jurisdiction, and attract foreign direct investment, as well as professionals in IT, marketing, and cybersecurity. The government also expects additional budget revenues through licensing fees and taxes.
Each license, valid for five years, will require an annual fee of 100,000 GEL and monthly taxation on the difference between bets placed and winnings paid. Violations of licensing terms or payment deadlines will result in fines of 20,000 GEL. The bill was initiated by members of Parliament Shota Berekaishvili, Giorgi Barvenashvili, Tornike Berekaishvili, Anton Obolashvili, and Mariam Lashkhi.
