Georgia has introduced draft legislation to create a new licensing category specifically for international online gambling operators targeting foreign players, accompanied by a 5% gambling tax.
The Georgian government has proposed amendments to the law “On the Organisation of Lotteries, Gambling and Profitable Games“, submitting the draft to parliament under an accelerated legislative procedure. This new legal framework aims to establish dedicated licences for operators providing online slots and sports betting services exclusively to players located outside Georgia.
Under the proposed system, international operators would benefit from a clear regulatory path to offer their services to foreign customers while adhering to Georgian law. The legislation sets a fixed 5% tax rate on gross gambling revenue generated from these foreign-facing operations, which is comparatively low and designed to attract more licensed operators to the market. This could reduce the prevalence of unlicensed activity by incentivising compliance.
Players outside Georgia may see advantages from this development, including increased competition and a broader selection of licensed gambling platforms. However, it is important to note that Georgian residents will not have access to services under these foreign-only licences. Instead, local players will continue to be served by operators licensed under the existing domestic regulatory framework.
From a player protection perspective, the introduction of dedicated foreign licences could enhance regulatory oversight of international operators targeting Georgian players abroad. Players should verify that any operator they engage with holds a valid licence to ensure safe and fair gambling experiences. While the legislation primarily addresses licensing and taxation, responsible gambling measures remain essential, and players are encouraged to use available tools and resources to manage their gambling activities responsibly.
This initiative aligns with broader trends across Europe, where regulators are adapting frameworks to better manage cross-border online gambling and taxation. Several countries have introduced specific licence categories to regulate operators serving foreign markets, aiming to balance market growth with consumer protection. For example, related coverage on Europe and Regulation offers further insight into evolving gambling laws and player safeguards.
Recent industry discussions highlight the importance of regulated markets for player protection. A notable example includes calls for Premier League clubs to avoid sponsorship deals with unlicensed gambling operators in the UK, reinforcing the need for clear licensing standards (The Guardian).
Players interested in the legal specifics can review Georgia’s draft legislation in detail through the original SBC News report: Georgia sets out to offer dedicated foreign licences with 5% gambling tax.
As the regulatory environment evolves, players should remain vigilant about the licensing status of operators and continue to prioritise responsible gambling practices. The new foreign-only licence category in Georgia represents a step toward clearer regulation of international online gambling, potentially benefiting players through increased choice and enhanced oversight.
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