Gambling Laws in Georgia

Gambling laws in Georgia (the country, not the US state) have been pretty relaxed recently, with most forms being legal. However, changes in 2021 mean that the situation has become quite different as the government tries to crack down on problematic gambling behaviour.

Which Gambling Activities Are Legal in Georgia?

The Law of Georgia on Organising Lotteries, Games of Chance and Other Prize Games made most forms of gambling legal in December 2011. Operators are required to hold a licence to offer their services, which must be obtained from the country's Ministry of Finance.

As in most other locations, there are some exceptions regarding gambling laws. Let's check out the country's stance according to each activity.

Wagering on Offline and Online Casino Games

Land-based casino gaming is legal in Georgia. There are around 12 venues and while five are in the capital of Tbilisi, six are located in Batumi, which is why the city is nicknamed 'the Las Vegas of the Black Sea'.

Online casino gaming is also legal, with operators again required to obtain a license to offer services. There are almost 100 online gambling sites registered in Georgia.

Playing Poker With Real Money

Poker is popular in Georgia, with cash games and tournaments running regularly at existing casinos. Georgians also enjoy a good variety of legal online poker gaming options through licensed operators in the country.

Bingo Betting

While bingo is legal in both offline and online forms, it is not a very popular gambling activity in the country. Occasional games run at some of the country's casinos. Still, you'll be hard-pressed to find any online bingo gambling sites that accept residents of Georgia, as there simply isn't the demand.

Purchasing Lottery Tickets

Lottery gaming is legal, but offline and online lottery games for real money are under monopoly control by the Georgian Lottery Company. This brand has held an exclusive 15-year licence to operate since 2009.

Social Gambling and Playing at Online Crypto Casinos

Social gaming, loot boxes, and skins gambling are not mentioned in Georgia's gambling laws, meaning these activities are currently unregulated.

Cryptos are not illegal in Georgia but aren't classed as legal tender either, which means land-based casinos and other establishments cannot accept them as such. Online crypto casinos get around this issue by allowing players to use coins for gambling via third-party payment processors.

Is Sports Betting Legal in Georgia?

Yes, and residents can place bets on a wide range of markets via numerous local bookmakers. Similarly, online sports betting is legal in the country, with plenty of sportsbooks accepting bets from residents.

Fantasy sports betting is not currently regulated in Georgia.

What's the Minimum Age to Gamble in Georgia?

The legal minimum age in Georgia was 18 for online gambling and 21 for entry to land-based casinos until very recently. In 2022 the law changed, raising the legal age to 25.

Gambling Tax Regulations for Operators and Players

Georgia regulations mean that operators in the country pay some of the lowest fees in the world. Despite the tax rate changing from being applied to profits to total revenue, it is still only 10%. Additional fees per gaming machine/table are also applied, but these can vary depending on the region, with fees usually higher in Tbilisi compared to Batumi.

For players, gambling winnings were not taxed up until late 2021, when the law changed to implement a 2% tax on such winnings.

A Brief History of Gambling Laws in Georgia

The first casino in Georgia opened in Tbilisi in 1920. It was closed shortly after when the country came under the rule of the Soviet Union, making just about all forms of gambling illegal. In 1989, the laws were sufficiently relaxed to allow the opening of one casino in Batumi, which was for the sole use of communist elites.

When Georgia regained its autonomy with the fall of the USSR in 1991, the gambling industry exploded. The Law of Georgia on Organising Lotteries, Games of Chance and Other Prize Games No 5448 officially legalised most forms of gambling upon its implementation in December 2011.

More recently, efforts have been made to crack down on growing problematic gambling behaviour. In late 2021, the legal minimum age was increased from 18 (21 for entry to casinos) to 25. Those receiving government assistance (i.e. benefits) are no longer permitted to gamble, and operators face increased taxes and fees.

Key Facts

• Casino gaming is legal -offline and online operators are required to obtain a licence

• Bingo gaming is legal. The game is occasionally available at some casinos. There are minimal online bingo sites that accept players from Georgia due to a lack of demand.

• Playing poker is legal - games are held at casinos and numerous online poker sites serve the country.

• Lottery gaming is legal - both offline and online games fall under the monopoly control of the Georgian Lottery Company.

• Sports betting is legal and there is an abundance of offline and online sportsbooks in the country.