The escalating conflict between Israel and Iran could negatively impact Georgia’s gambling sector, according to Giorgi Mamulaishvili, head of the Georgian Gambling Association, in an interview with BMG.
Mamulaishvili explained that the gambling industry is closely intertwined with tourism, and both sectors are likely to feel the effects of rising regional tensions.
“Israeli and Iranian visitors have been a significant customer segment, particularly in the Batumi region,” he noted. “In recent years, the increase in visitors from these countries has contributed to a rise in the number of casinos and hotels, which in turn has boosted demand for restaurants, entertainment venues, and other local services.”
In 2024, Israeli customers alone accounted for approximately 35% of gambling service users in Georgia. A decrease in this flow, Mamulaishvili warned, would result in direct losses for the Batumi region, not only in gambling revenue but also in broader tourism-related spending.
“The issue mainly concerns land-based casinos, where tourist presence is essential,” he added. “The online gambling sector is unlikely to be affected in the same way.”
Mamulaishvili emphasized that the broader impact of geopolitical instability will include heightened concerns over tourist safety, which could deter some travelers from visiting Georgia altogether.
