Georgia parliament approves law letting casinos host international gambling tournaments
Legislation passed 73–5 on 30 October 2026; 80% foreign participants and tax and fine rules set.
Key Takeaways
- Georgia’s Parliament approved the law on 30 October 2026 by 73 votes to five.
- An international gambling tournament must guarantee the prize pool in advance and have at least 80% foreign participants.
- Prize pools above GEL 3,000,000 (US$1.16 million) qualify for a gambling business fee exemption on exclusive tables.
- Individuals pay 20% tax on tournament winnings, while foreign nationals are exempt for prize pools exceeding GEL 3,000,000.
- Organisers breaching licensing requirements face a GEL 50,000 fine (US$19,272); a proposed GEL 150,000 fine was removed.
Georgia’s Parliament approved legislation on 30 October 2026 allowing casinos to organise international gambling tournaments, passing the bill in its final reading by 73 votes in favour and five against. The draft, introduced by lawmakers from the ruling Georgian Dream party, was debated and approved over two plenary sessions.
Key terms in the law
The statute defines an international gambling tournament as a competition organised by a casino with a prize pool guaranteed in advance by the organiser and at least 80% of participants coming from overseas. Lawmakers increased the required share of foreign participants from 70% to 80% during deliberations. A proposed sanction of GEL 150,000 (US$57,815) for holding unauthorised international tournaments was removed before final approval.
Organisers will be exempt from the gambling business fee on gaming tables used exclusively for international tournaments if the prize pool exceeds GEL 3,000,000 (US$1.16 million). The legislation permits organisers to generate revenue from these events, which may be held at licensed casino premises or other venues. Licensed casino premises is where tournaments may take place; organisers may also choose other venues for events. licensed casino premises
Taxes, fines and enforcement
Individuals' taxable income from participating in international gambling tournaments will be subject to a 20% tax. Foreign nationals taking part in tournaments with prize pools above GEL 3,000,000 (US$1.16 million) will be exempt from taxation on their winnings. Organisers that violate licensing requirements for international gambling tournaments will face a GEL 50,000 fine (US$19,272). The fee exemption and tax rules were retained in the final text. gambling business fee rules
"We are talking about the possibility that the bill could lead to the undesirable promotion of these games, which are one of the significant problems facing society," said Eka Sepashvili during the second reading, voicing concerns about the explanatory note's lack of social-cost assessment.
The legislation drew criticism from the Georgian Orthodox Church Patriarchate and the Public Defender. Members of People’s Power questioned the need to fast-track the bill, and the For Georgia parliamentary faction voted against it.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Georgia’s Parliament approve the law on international gambling tournaments?
Parliament approved the law on 30 October 2026, passing the final reading by 73 votes in favour and five against.
What participant composition does the law require for an international tournament?
An international gambling tournament must have at least 80% of participants coming from overseas, up from an initial 70% threshold considered during debates.
What tax and fee rules apply to tournaments under the new law?
Individuals' taxable income from participating in tournaments is subject to a 20% tax; foreign nationals are exempt from taxation on winnings when the prize pool exceeds GEL 3,000,000 (US$1.16 million), and organisers are exempt from the gambling business fee on tables used exclusively for tournaments with prize pools over GEL 3,000,000.
What penalties are included in the legislation for organisers who breach licensing rules?
Organisers that violate licensing requirements for international gambling tournaments face a GEL 50,000 fine (US$19,272); a previously proposed GEL 150,000 fine for unauthorised tournaments was removed from the final law.
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Eleanor Whitfield
Regulatory Affairs Correspondent
Eleanor Whitfield tracks gambling legislation, licensing decisions, and regulator enforcement across key markets — from the UKGC, MGA, and Germany's GGL to Spain's DGOJ and the state-by-state map in the Americas. The reporting answers three questions precisely: what changed, where, and who it affects, with jurisdictions, effective dates, and penalty figures named exactly as published. Compliance officers and operators read Eleanor Whitfield to know which rulebook moved before their next board meeting.
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