Georgia Considers International Gambling Licensing Framework For Foreign Operators

Georgia’s parliament is considering legislation to establish a dedicated licensing system for online gambling operators serving foreign customers.

The proposal, introduced by members of the ruling Georgian Dream party, would create three 5-year permit categories covering online casinos, internet slots and sports betting. These licences would be available only to operators targeting players outside Georgia.

Georgian citizens would not be allowed to access the platforms. Licensed operators would have to run their businesses through dedicated domains and pay an annual permit fee of GEL100,000 (€33,372).

The Revenue Service would oversee the licensing process, while permits are issued to companies registered in Georgia. Operators would also be required to comply with technical and operational standards specifically for offshore gambling businesses.

Separate Tax Rules Target Overseas Gambling Revenue

The proposed legislation also introduces a dedicated tax framework for operators serving international customers.

Revenue generated from overseas players would be taxed at 5 per cent of gross gaming revenue. If approved, the framework could solidify Georgia’s position as a destination for operators seeking international markets under a regulated licensing system.

Proposal Builds On Recent Gambling Reforms

The latest proposal follows a series of gambling reforms introduced in recent years. In 2023, Georgia increased gambling taxes and introduced stricter controls to curb the rapid growth of domestic gambling activity.

It later shifted its focus towards foreign-facing operations. In 2024, lawmakers approved reforms allowing operators to use separate domains for domestic and international customers.

These changes also introduced preferential tax treatment for revenue generated from overseas players and exempted foreign customers from paying tax on winnings earned through Georgian operators.

The new licensing proposal builds on those reforms by creating dedicated licence categories to further separate the international gambling market from Georgia’s domestic sector.

Georgia is refining its gambling legislation to accommodate local operators serving foreign customers. The country’s ruling party has proposed three 5-year categories across casinos, slots, and sports betting for these businesses. They also introduced a 5% tax on the GGR and tax exemption on winnings from local players.