Georgian Public Broadcaster refuses to air gambling commercials after alleged suicide of cameraman

The Georgian Public Broadcaster (GPB) has refused to release gambling commercials starting January 1, 2020 to “respond to the public demand” and “fight with the dependence on gambling that has become a serious problem in the country.”

The decision comes after the death of GPB cameraman Sandro Beradze, 29, who was found dead yesterday in the Tskhvarichamia forest, near Tbilisi, after a four-day-search.

The family said it could have been suicide as Beradze was an active gambler.

With the decision we respond to the public demand and support the popularisation of healthy lifestyle,” the GPB said.

GPB cameraman Sandro Beradze was found dead yesterday. Photo: Sandro Beradze's Facebook page. 

The Georgian Ministry of Finance proposed a bill in 2017 which banned individuals under 21 from gambling. However, the bill has not been approved so far. 

A member of the Georgian Dream ruling party Roman Kakulia said earlier today that “I am sure we will provide the changes in the law in terms of the gambling business which will be welcomed by people.”

According to official statistics there are up to 170 gambling facilities registered in Georgia, employing nearly 8,000 people.

• The gambling business turnover last year amounted to 5.6 billion GEL [up to two billion USD] which was five per cent more compared to 2017.
• The gambling business paid more than 136 million GEL [46 million USD] to the state budget last year which was 17 million GEL more compared to 2017.

Incomes generated by the gambling industry in Georgia increasing from year to year. Photo: Tabula. 

• The report on gambling published by Transparency International Georgia back in 2015. 

Former Defence Minister Tinatin Khidasheli stated back in 2015 that the major cause of suicide among soldiers was gambling and tougher rules were introduced in 2016 which allowed the immediate dismissal of a soldier if he was found gambling.

A member of the High Council of Justice Anna Dolidze launched a campaign against gambling earlier this month, saying that almost everyone in the country has access to casinos or online casinos, including minors [who, in many cases get registered on online casinos with the ID documents of those over-18].

She said that gambling commercials must be banned and the state government must impose restrictions on the industry.