Georgia plans for gambling law amendments

The Georgian Parliament is likely to discuss a ban on gambling advertising. The discussion on gambling ban is going on, even amidst media reports that the government wants to promote and support gambling in several regions in Georgia.

The new legislation is likely to ban the placement of gambling advertisements in medical, educational and religious institutions, as well as in sports and cultural organisations. Moreover, it is proposed to limit advertisement of gambling online, on television and radio. Still, it will be possible to place logos of gambling brands as sponsors.

This spring the Georgian Parliament will also review the bill aimed at support and promotion of gambling in certain regions of the country. According to the document, the tax fee for the construction of casinos in these locations will be reduced. In addition, if the casino is located in the building of a new hotel with more than 80 rooms, the operator will be exempt from paying the fee for up to 10 years.

The goal of the authorities is to improve the situation related to the low popularity of gambling market of Poti, Ureki and Grigoleti among the tourists.