Gambling licence in Georgia

Obtaining a gambling licence in Georgia attracts both young firms and global providers seeking to legalise and expand their presence within the South Caucasus. The Georgian legal environment is renowned for its investment friendliness, especially in the entertainment sector, while maintaining strict controls over entities operating in the gambling services sector.

In recent years, the Georgian gambling market has shown a steady rise: industry experts estimate that from 2023 to early 2025, the segment's volume increased by about 12% annually, allowing the total turnover to exceed GEL 8 billion. Forecasts for the end of 2025 are around GEL 10 billion, which emphasises the high attractiveness of this jurisdiction for investors. Such development is not only due to the liberal regulatory system, but also to the government's targeted actions to build up the tourism infrastructure and introduce digital technologies in the gambling industry.

Online casinos and interactive services are gradually dominating the Georgian gambling market. Obtaining licences for such activities requires a special focus on the technological component: the software used must be certified in specialised laboratories to confirm the fairness of the game algorithms. In addition, providers are required to implement KYC procedures, complexes to prevent illegal transactions, as well as technological solutions to protect user data. The supervisory regulator focuses on the clarity of all digital payments and the implementation of AML norms, which helps to increase the trust of customers and foreign partners.

Legal framework regulating the gaming sector in Georgia

Legal control of the gaming entertainment industry in Georgia is implemented in accordance with the norms of the Georgian Law on Lotteries, Prizes and Gaming Events. This regulation covers the entire spectrum of commercial entertainment in the jurisdiction, including casinos, betting companies, slot machine operators and online service providers. The Act creates a stable legal environment and establishes mandatory requirements for market admission, including legal status, technical readiness and fiscal discipline.

The key regulator authorised to process and issue licences is the LEPL Revenue Service, a subordinate body of the Department of Finance. It is this entity that accepts applications, verifies the legality of funding sources, evaluates technical solutions, verifies the beneficial structure of applicants and monitors compliance with the requirements of the applicable legislation. Within the administrative system, this body has powers comparable to those of a supervisory authority, making it a central link in the licensing process.

In order to legalise gambling activities in Georgia, it is required to go through a full cycle of registration, including the establishment of a legal entity. This is a mandatory condition fixed in the law: only a company registered in the territory of the country can apply. Lack of legal presence automatically excludes the possibility of applying for authorisation. Foreign companies are entitled to participate in the project through the establishment of a subsidiary or branch registered in accordance with the requirements of Georgian corporate law.

The amount of compulsory fees is formed taking into account the territorial location of the facility and may differ from region to region. The system of linking fees to a particular locality, rather than to the volume of operations or the number of users, is used. This creates a predictable and differentiated model for different categories of business. For example, the cost of admission in Tbilisi or Batumi is significantly higher than in less popular tourist or economically active zones.

The procedure for granting licences for gambling activities in Georgia is determined by the prescriptions of secondary regulations. The instruction approved by the Tax Service LEPL sets out the rules of application, completeness of the dossier, criteria of technical equipment and verification of the legal origin of the involved monetary resources. All applications are subject to mandatory legal and technological verification. In case of discrepancies or insufficient information, the authorised body has the right to refuse to grant a licence without compensation for the costs incurred.

The main regulatory conditions for admission include:

• state registration of the legal entity in the official register of Georgia;
• availability of a legal source of capital with the attachment of supporting materials on the origin of funds;
• provision of a full set of documentation in the form established by the current regulations;
• absence of criminal records of key participants and management;
• compliance of the technological base with the requirements approved by the Ministry of Finance;
• compliance with territorial restrictions specified in the licence.

All infrastructure intended for launching gambling business in Georgia is subject to mandatory certification. This applies to both physical elements and digital systems, including internal accounting mechanisms, user identification algorithms and data confidentiality modules. Confirmation of conformity is issued by accredited certification bodies. The submission of such documents is a prerequisite for obtaining authorisation. In their absence, the issuance of a licence is excluded.

Georgian legal regulations encourage the opening of gaming facilities in tourist regions such as Tbilisi, Batumi, Kazbegi, Gudauri, Bakuriani and Borjomi. These locations are allowed to apply tax exemptions, including zeroing the quarterly rate for gaming tables, provided the casino is located on the territory of a hotel complex with a minimum of 80-100 rooms. Such a scheme makes projects launched in tourist centres particularly attractive from the point of view of operating costs and opens up an opportunity for operators to increase customer flow by combining with hotel services.

Types of licences for gambling activities in Georgia

Legislation provides for a single licensing procedure for the gambling industry in Georgia: a single permit entitles the operator to carry out all the activities declared in the application - including betting services, casino management, organisation of slot rooms, online betting, internet casinos and digital gaming clubs. A separate licence for each business is not required if the operator correctly declares all types of business and pays the required fees.

The main types of activities that can be included in the licence package are:

• accepting bets (betting sphere);
• organising games (casinos, slot halls);
• operating amusement machines;
• digital segments (web casinos, online betting, virtual gaming environments).

In order to obtain a licence to organise gambling activities in Georgia, it is required to collect a full set of papers and clearly identify each line of business. It is especially important that the hardware, the software involved and the commercial model correlate with the regulations set by the Ministry of Finance. If third-party technology providers are involved in the project, it is necessary to provide contracts and confirm their registration with the regulator.

Gambling licences in Georgia are registered: they are assigned to a specific legal entity and cannot be transferred to other entities. The operator is obliged to ensure full compliance with the declared activities. Changes (e.g. launch of new segments or platforms) require notification of the regulator and updating of licence conditions. Violation of the rules (e.g. use of undeclared destinations) leads to sanctions up to cancellation of the permit.

Comparative list of deduction rates by gambling categories in Georgia:

• Any casino gaming table - offline version - GEL 20,000-40,000 for every three months.
• Any slot machine - offline version - GEL 2,000-4,000 for every three months.
• Each draw - offline/online - 110% of the prize pool.
• Integrated digital entertainment (Samorino type) - electronic format - GEL 250,000-300,000 for every three months.
• Integrated digital entertainment (automated) - electronic format - GEL 250,000-300,000 for every three months.
• Pari-pool entertainment - electronic format - GEL 250,000-300,000 for every three months.
• Lottery events - offline/online - 10% of the delta between the ticket price and the prize fund.
• Any betting office outside the main site - electronic format - GEL 1,500-20,000 for every three months.
• Any gambling table of the club - offline version - GEL 4,000-14,000 for every three months.

These fees are fixed by the current legislative norms and reflect the state's differentiated approach to taxation and licensing of different segments of the gaming market. Each category provides for its own calculation procedure, taking into account the peculiarities of the activity, the volume of operations and the legal organisation of the business. It should be emphasised that the provisions related to subparagraph (c) have lost force after the amendments to the legislation (09.12.2011, No. 5453).

Social obligations and restrictions of permit holders

By acquiring a licence to conduct gambling activities in Georgia, the operator assumes not only economic obligations, but also a social mission. The country's regulations explicitly state that a gambling licence remains valid only if the principles of responsible operation are strictly adhered to. This applies in all areas - whether it is a casino licence, a certificate for betting activities or a contract for the administration of an online platform.

The first fundamental restriction relates to the age barrier. The law categorically prohibits participation by anyone under the age of 25. Accordingly, companies are obliged to implement mandatory identification procedures: for land-based venues, verification is carried out at the entrance, while in the online environment KYC protocols and remote verification methods are in place. Ignoring these regulations, for example when operating a slot licence, is fraught with an administrative fine of up to GEL 500,000 and may result in the revocation of the permit.

The second important condition is the refusal to allow persons under the influence of alcohol or drugs to play. This requirement is part of the government's strategy to legalise the gambling sector, aimed at minimising social risks and protecting vulnerable groups. Operators are required to train their staff to identify such situations, as well as to implement internal regulations governing the refusal to serve intoxicated customers.

The third area concerns promotion and advertising rules. The licence for gambling activities in Georgia implies strict control of marketing activity. The law categorically prohibits the use of aggressive advertising materials promising quick earnings, instant enrichment or calling for unreasonable risk. It is also completely prohibited to use images of minors in advertising, even if the advert is aimed at an adult audience. For example, companies planning to open a casino in Georgia or launch online betting are obliged to coordinate advertising campaigns with these restrictions, otherwise the regulator may impose a fine or revoke the licence.

Regulatory oversight also extends to obligations to implement responsible gambling programmes. Companies that have been licensed are required to inform customers about the risks of gambling addiction, offer self-control tools (e.g. betting limits or voluntary self-exclusion) and provide access to information about support services. Without fulfilling these measures, it is impossible to obtain or maintain a gambling licence in Georgia.

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Algorithm of administrative obtaining of permits for gambling activities in Georgia

The Georgian gambling licence is subject to strictly established administrative procedures. Submission of the application is accompanied by an analysis by the Tax Department, which is carried out within twenty working days from the date of receipt of a complete set of required papers. At the same time, the basic procedure for considering the application does not imply the mandatory collection of additional fees, i.e. applying for a licence under the standard scheme is not associated with direct monetary costs.

The initial stage is the creation of a legal entity. In accordance with the regulations, only an organisation registered within Georgia is entitled to submit an application. Foreign companies can gain access to the local market by establishing subsidiaries or opening representative offices. Without registration of an official legal status, a licence for gambling activities in Georgia is not granted.

The next stage is the formation of the documentation package. In order to legalise gambling activities in Georgia, it is necessary to prepare:

• Certificate of incorporation;
• confirmation of payment of state duty and availability of legal sources of funds;
• data on the corporate structure, including information on the ultimate beneficiaries (persons with a share of more than 25 per cent);
• certificates of criminal record of the owners and management staff;
• detailed information on the technical infrastructure (hardware, software, server solutions);
• certificates of conformity confirming that the software used by the company is in compliance with the law.
• a financial model of the project with projections of revenues, expenses and tax base;
• plans for compliance with AML and KYC regulatory standards, including developed internal regulations and client identification procedures;
• agreements with technology providers (in case of outsourcing services).

The regulatory authority places special emphasis on technological nuances. For example, when obtaining permission to operate a virtual casino in Georgia, it is necessary to demonstrate the presence of software tools responsible for monitoring bets, openness of the gaming process, data security and suppression of fraud. With regard to land-based initiatives (say, when a company intends to open a casino in the country) are valued not only certificates confirming the legality of the devices, but also acts indicating compliance with site sanitary, fire and building regulations.

When the dossier with all the paperwork is complete, the evaluation stage begins. Any application is subjected to a comprehensive audit: legal, economic and technological.

Companies wishing to minimise the time of consideration of an application for a gambling licence in Georgia have the right to use the option of an accelerated procedure. This format is allowed only if the dossier is complete and there are no offences related to already issued permits. Expedited deadlines are possible only within the limits specified by law and are not subject to discretionary agreement.

The time limits and fees for priority consideration of applications for gambling licences in Georgia are distributed as follows:

It should be noted that the accelerated issuance of a gambling licence in Georgia does not in any way reduce the scope or thoroughness of the mandatory checks. All submitted applications are subject to full expertise. The assessment includes legal analysis, technical audit, verification of ownership and analysis of funding sources. Even with the shortened timeframe, the applicant is required to prove legal clarity, the existence of all technical certificates and the source of the investment. The advantage of the accelerated regime is a faster decision on the administrative case.

If the regulator issues a rejection following the review, the amount paid for the expedited review is non-refundable. This provision is stipulated in the internal regulations and is aimed at preventing abuse by applicants who submit applications without proper prior preparation. The status of the review is fixed from the date of receipt of the complete package, and not from the moment of intention to use the accelerated procedure.

The duration of the gambling licensing procedure in Georgia depends not only on the workload of the authority, but also on the thoroughness of document preparation. Deficiencies, formal errors, lack of annexes or contradictions in information increase the duration of the process, regardless of the chosen review mode.

The licensing procedures for gambling operators in Georgia also involve the verification of counterparties. If partners or technical providers are indicated in the application, their details are subject to mandatory verification against the registers of licensed participants. Any unreliable information regarding third parties will result in suspension of the application and return of the application without a decision on its merits.

The fast-track procedure for obtaining a gambling licence in Georgia serves as a mechanism of administrative flexibility available to those applicants whose legal and organisational background meets the highest standards. Participation in this procedure is advisable only if the applicant is fully legally prepared and there are no procedural risks.

Future reforms and digitalisation

The Georgian state is dynamically improving the legislative mechanisms governing the gambling industry, and the cabinet has already announced a number of transformations affecting existing providers and new applicants. Central to this is a focus on the digital transformation of the industry and increased public transparency of processes. Organisations holding a gaming licence in the country should adapt in advance to the upcoming regulations covering technological, economic and legal parameters.

The main trajectory of the reforms is enhanced surveillance of internet operations. The planned steps include the deployment of automated tracking systems that record betting, gaming sessions and cash flow movements in real time. Providers with a permit for online casinos in Georgia or betting activities will be required to synchronise their platforms with state monitoring services. This measure is designed to eliminate abuse, minimise gambling addiction and guarantee compliance with age barriers.

In parallel, the tightening of criteria for software products is being discussed. For example, software operated in slot clubs or online casinos will be required to undergo additional verification with a focus on personal data protection and compliance with global cybersecurity standards. Businesses intending to launch a casino in Georgia or legalise the gambling segment in the country are required to make these adjustments at the business design stage to eliminate the risk of costly rework after launch.

Special attention is paid to the fiscal part. The government is considering an initiative to raise tax rates for Internet operators in order to redistribute part of the revenues to social and educational programmes. At the same time, the government assures that it will be possible to maintain the attractiveness of the fiscal regime: even with a potential increase in mandatory fees, a gambling licence in Georgia will remain economically preferable to comparable documents in most neighbouring states.

In general, the industry's prospects are seen in the integration of advanced technologies, enhanced oversight of providers and the creation of a crystal clear regulatory environment. Participants planning to establish a casino in Georgia have an additional incentive to invest: companies will be able to operate in a legal environment with stable rules and the support of the state, which is interested in the dynamic growth of the sector.

Key legal aspects and recommendations for applicants

The gambling licence process in Georgia is governed by detailed corporate, budgetary and management regulations. Each stage - from the formation of the documentation package to the completion of the registration procedure - is subject to the requirements of openness, confirmation of the legal status of participants in the process and mandatory justification of sources of funding. The authorised body considers the received applications on an individual basis. The use of generalised solutions and simplified approaches is excluded.

For registration of a licence in the sphere of gambling in Georgia it is required that the applicant has a full legal registration. In particular, only legal entities entered in the national electronic database are allowed to participate in the procedure. The use of anonymous ownership schemes, trusts or intermediary structures is contrary to the established requirements. The ultimate owners must provide all requested information, including residency, tax status and other parameters to be verified by the supervisory authority.

The list of documents to be submitted when applying for a gambling licence in Georgia varies depending on the category of permit. Despite the differences in volume, each applicant needs to fulfil a basic set of conditions:

• a company registered in the country with an up-to-date corporate structure;
• no unexpunged criminal record of the founders, managing members, partners and all persons holding more than 25 per cent of the capital;
• submission of statements confirming the legitimacy of the sources of invested funds and the ability to pay the licence fee;
• provision of technical information on software complexes, game modules, server systems and control interfaces;
• obligatory availability of certificates of conformity for all components involved in the implementation of the business model;
• indication of the full ownership structure, including shares, profit distribution scheme and chain of controlling links;
• contracts with suppliers, if external solutions are involved, whose licences are recognised by the Georgian regulator;
• internal operating rules covering customer interaction, settlement, identification and fiscal reporting;
• financial modelling plans with projected flows, expenses, tax base and investment model;
• if there are foreign participants - notarised translations of statutory documents and corporate resolutions.

Legal support in obtaining a gambling licence in Georgia is required not only at the application stage. Most of the legal risks arise after registration, when checking the actual fulfilment of the declared conditions. The availability of consultants able to document the compliance of the project with regulatory requirements is a factor that reduces the likelihood of refusal or subsequent cancellation.

Legal entities intending to initiate the process of obtaining an authorisation to operate in the gambling sector in Georgia must take into account the peculiarities of the administrative mechanism. The authority to adopt the final verdict is vested exclusively with the supervisory authority. There is no possibility to appeal to the relevant ministry. In case of refusal, the applicant is left with only the judicial route, which may take more than 6 months. To avoid such consequences, it is critical to ensure legal consistency of all information provided at the time of filing.

Registering a gambling business in Georgia requires full compliance of the company's internal procedures with local regulatory standards. The use of policies and protocols adopted in other countries is allowed only when they are adapted to national legislation. Papers prepared without complying with the regulations of the fiscal authority are automatically rejected.

The possibility to legally engage in gambling in Georgia arises only if all the established legal, technical and financial criteria are absolutely fulfilled.

A single dossier confirming the legitimacy of capital sources, infrastructure readiness and transparent ownership structure significantly increases the likelihood of a favourable decision. All other formats are interpreted as an attempt to circumvent regulation and are excluded at the pre-screening stage.

Conclusion

The gaming industry in Georgia operates on the basis of a detailed regulatory framework, which provides a stable legal regulation for investors and allows state authorities to effectively supervise operators. The legal system provides for a clear distinction between types of permits, with established state fees, a regulated procedure for submitting documentation and a mandatory certification procedure for all technical and software solutions involved.

Various formats of business are available to organisers, ranging from stationary establishments to digital services. Each form requires individual authorisation and does not allow the simultaneous implementation of several types without additional registration. At the same time, administrative conditions remain balanced: there are reasonable deadlines for reviewing applications, a clear procedure for interacting with the regulator and the possibility of obtaining a licence on an accelerated basis if all criteria are met.

This combination of strict legal controls and a flexible licensing mechanism makes Georgia's gambling regulatory system attractive for business and complies with transparency requirements. The jurisdiction demonstrates its interest in attracting bona fide operators by offering favourable regimes for facilities located in tourist zones and reduced rates for the integration of gambling activities into infrastructure projects. This creates conditions for the progressive development of the sector, as well as builds confidence on the part of foreign investors. At the same time, a mechanism of revocations, sanctions and administrative control ensures a balance between the interests of the state and business.