TITLE: Georgia's Parliament to Consider New Gambling Permits Targeting Foreign Players
BODY:
On June 23, 2026, the Georgian government submitted amendments to Parliament for expedited consideration that would introduce a new licensing framework allowing foreign gambling operators to enter the Georgian market while restricting access to their websites for Georgian citizens. The proposed amendments to the Law on the Organization of Lotteries, Gambling and Prize Games would establish three new permit categories covering online casino games, slot machine games, and sports betting services aimed exclusively at international customers.
Under the proposed rules, only foreign citizens and stateless persons would be permitted to participate in games offered by operators holding the new international licenses. The framework introduces a significantly lower tax rate for operators targeting foreign customers: a 5 percent gross gaming revenue (GGR) tax, compared to the 20 percent rate currently applied to standard online casinos accessible to Georgian citizens. Each permit would be issued for five years and carry an annual fee of GEL 100,000, with licensed operators also paying a monthly tax equal to 5 percent of the difference between bets received and winnings paid out. Violations of permit conditions or fee payment deadlines would incur a GEL 20,000 fine.
The government argues the initiative could boost foreign direct investment, create jobs in information technology, marketing, and cybersecurity sectors, and generate additional state budget revenue while protecting local consumers from gambling-related risks. The draft also proposes reducing the number of internet domains allowed under a single permit from two to one. Existing permit holders would be subject to a transitional period. MPs Shota Berekashvili, Giorgi Barvenashvili, Tornike Berekashvili, Anton Obolashvili, and Mariam Lashkhi initiated the bill. Parliament's consideration timeline remains to be determined.