Georgia plans new online gambling licence for foreign users only

Georgia plans to introduce a new category of licence for online gambling operators that will be available exclusively to platforms serving foreign users.

Under the proposed framework, Georgian citizens would be prohibited from accessing these platforms, while foreign operators would be permitted to operate legally from within the country, Caliber.Az reports via Georgian media.

The new licence would be valid for five years and carry an annual fee of 100,000 lari ($37,600). Operators would also be required to pay a 5% tax on the difference between total stakes received and winnings paid out.

The proposed regulations would introduce an additional restriction by limiting each licence to a single website. Under existing rules, operators are allowed to run up to two platforms under one licence.

A transition period is expected to be provided for existing operators to adapt to the new requirements.

Georgian authorities say the planned changes are aimed at attracting additional investment and creating new jobs.

By Sabina Mammadli