EurAsia
Georgia rethinks online gambling ban plan
The Republic of Georgia appears to be backing away from threats to impose a total ban on online gambling.
In September, Georgian media reported that the country’s parliamentarians were pressing the government to make online gambling explicitly illegal, while more sober minds at the Ministry of Finance explained that such a stance was not only impractical but virtually impossible to enforce.
More recent reports suggest that the government plans to permit online gambling to continue but gamblers would be required to register with the country’s tax service in order to access gambling sites. The aim of this registry appears to be to ensure that online gamblers are at least 21 years of age.
Like many other nations, Georgia’s government appears split on the desire to restrict online gambling’s reach while ensuring the state earns its share of gambling revenue. Georgian MP Levan Gogichaishvilirecently complained that the government is missing out on potential annual tax revenue of GEL 200m (US $80.6m) on the money that currently flows out of the country to internationally licensed online gambling operators catering to Georgian punters.
Georgia imposed new gambling tax rules as of January 1, 2017 that doubled tax rates on casino, gaming hall, betting shop and online gambling revenue from 5% to 10%, while fixed fees on individual gaming tables and slot machines also increased.
The net result of these hikes was a return to the government of $58.4m in the first half of 2017, one-third more than the government’s gambling tax take in all of 2016. There are an estimated 138 gambling companies of all stripes currently authorized to do business in Georgia.
Some government sources estimate that 500k Georgians enjoy an occasional online flutter, which seems a bit high, given the country’s population is less than 4m. Locally licensed online operators include Adjarabet, Iveriabet and the Georgian state lottery.
In general, Georgia has been taking a dimmer view of gambling’s impact on society. In 2015, the Ministry of Defense announced that servicemen and women could face immediate dismissal for excessive gambling. The government meted out gambling-related punishments against 15 military personnel last year, and another 11 so far in 2017.
EurAsia
Push Gaming expands in Georgia with Ambassadoribet
B2B gaming supplier Push Gaming has amplified its European growth via a new partnership with Ambassadoribet in Georgia.
The provider’s entire portfolio of hits will become available to players of the popular brand, including recent releases like Big Bam-Book and Razor Ways alongside popular legacy titles such as Jammin’ Jars.
Ambassadoribet has amassed a large following of players in Georgia, catering to both land-based and online sectors since its launch in 2023, with this latest agreement further bolstering its offering.
The deal solidifies Push Gaming’s position in the Georgian market, enhancing its reputation as a leading provider across Europe. With a pipeline of highly anticipated games on its roadmap, the supplier is poised for continued expansion following this partnership.
Fiona Hickey, Chief Business Development Officer at Push Gaming, said: “Ambassadoribet has quickly established itself as a prominent operator in Georgia since launch. We are delighted to partner with a brand trailblazer as it epitomises our own ambitions for growth in the country and elsewhere.
“With a focus on quality content and player engagement, we are excited to see how its player base responds to our innovative titles and look forward to continued growth in the Georgian market.”
A Spokesperson at Ambassadoribet, added: “Push Gaming has developed a reputation for creating some of the most well-recognised and thrilling slots on the market and we are proud to offer them on our platform.
“Having its entire portfolio available will be a huge draw for players and offer existing users new experiences to enjoy. Integrating them into our offering adds huge strength and further diversity in content.”
Compliance Updates
GOLDENRACE SECURES A NEW CERTIFICATION IN GEORGIA
GoldenRace, leading B2B provider of award-winning Virtual Sports and betting solutions, is thrilled to announce that it has successfully secured certification for its games in Georgia, further solidifying its presence in the rapidly growing European market.
Georgia is quickly emerging as a key player in the iGaming industry, and achieving this certification is a crucial milestone for GoldenRace. Despite global challenges, the gambling sector in Georgia has experienced impressive growth, surging by 23% – a clear indicator of the market’s potential.
With this new certification, GoldenRace is now fully compliant with Georgian regulations, enabling the company to offer 19 of its top games to the Georgian audience. Fans in Georgia can now enjoy a wide range of virtual sports, including GoldenRace’s leading Virtual Football, MMA, Greyhound Racing, and Historical Horse Racing, as well as popular number games like Keno, Perfect6 and Spin2Win.
These certified games have been seamlessly integrated into the Georgian online gaming environment, with a robust setup that supports both Scheduled and Instant modes across Desktop and Mobile platforms.
This achievement follows GoldenRace’s recent certifications in Croatia and the Netherlands, as the company continues to strengthen its presence in key European markets, where it already holds a leadership position in countries like Italy, commanding 60% of the Virtual Sports market.
“Securing certification in Georgia is a proud moment for GoldenRace, especially as we introduce top-performing games like Historical Horse Races and our Football Leagues to a market that highly values these Virtual Sports,” said Martin Wachter, CEO and Founder of GoldenRace.
Compliance Updates
CT Interactive Certifies More Games for the Georgian Market
CT Interactive has certified 51 more games for the Georgian market. This is yet another step in the company’s commitment to providing top-tier gaming content and enhancing the player experience in the Eastern European country.
Dimitar Muhovski, Product Analyst at CT Interactive, said: “The Georgian market has shown tremendous growth. By adding these 51 titles, we reaffirm our dedication to delivering premium gaming content that meets the preferences of our players.”
Following the successful certification of numerous titles last year, CT Interactive continues to strengthen its presence in the Georgian market. The new games include popular titles such as Doctor Winstein Buy Bonus, The Magic Goblet, Banana Merge, Mega Gnome, Hyper Cuber, and Fruits & Sweets. These games, known for their engaging mechanics and high-quality graphics, are set to offer Georgian players a rich and diverse gaming experience.
This expansion reflects CT Interactive’s broader strategy to enhance the gaming landscape in Georgia.
“Our latest certified titles demonstrate our commitment to innovation and meeting market demands. These additions will further solidify our position among the leading gaming content provider in Georgia,” added Muhovski.
The company’s dedication to compliance and quality ensures that all its games meet regulatory standards, providing a safe and enjoyable gaming environment for players.
“As we grow, our focus remains on delivering high-quality gaming experiences. We are excited to see how these titles will be received by our partners and players,” Muhovski said.
This strategic update not only enhances CT Interactive’s portfolio but also demonstrates the company’s commitment to excellence and innovation in the gaming industry.
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