The Georgian government is proposing a new licensing framework that would allow foreign gambling operators to enter the Georgian market while restricting access to their websites for Georgian citizens.
The amendments, submitted to Parliament for expedited consideration, would introduce new categories of permits under the Law on the Organization of Lotteries, Gambling and Prize Games.
Under the proposed rules, only foreign citizens and stateless persons would be allowed to participate in games offered by operators holding the new international licenses.
The draft legislation would also introduce a lower tax rate for online gambling platforms targeting foreign customers. Operators licensed under the new framework would pay a 5% gross gaming revenue (GGR) tax, compared to the 20% rate currently applied to standard online casinos accessible to Georgian citizens.
The explanatory note says the changes are intended to attract international gambling companies to Georgia while protecting local consumers from additional gambling-related risks.
Lawmakers argue the initiative could boost foreign direct investment, create jobs in sectors such as information technology, marketing and cybersecurity, and generate additional revenue for the state budget.
The bill would establish three new permit categories covering online casino games, slot machine games and sports betting services aimed at international customers.
Each permit would be issued for five years and carry an annual fee of GEL 100,000. Licensed operators would also pay a monthly tax equal to 5% of the difference between bets received and winnings paid out.
Violations of permit conditions or fee payment deadlines would be punishable by a GEL 20,000 fine.
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.
The bill was initiated by MPs Shota Berekashvili, Giorgi Barvenashvili, Tornike Berekashvili, Anton Obolashvili and Mariam Lashkhi.
