Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has described recent amendments to Georgia’s gambling law as insignificant, saying he was not even aware of the bill before its adoption.
Responding to criticism over the changes, Kobakhidze said they concern tax rules for specific types of tournaments, such as poker events broadcast on international sports channels, and do not introduce any major changes.
He dismissed the need for broader public debate, arguing that any additional money generated would ultimately flow into the state budget. He also denied that the bill had lobbyists, saying it had legislative initiators instead.
Parliament approved tax incentives for casinos organizing tournaments under an accelerated procedure. The legislative package was introduced on October 26 and passed all three readings on October 27–28.
