Georgian Public Broadcaster refuses to air gambling commercials after alleged suicide of cameraman
Gambling is a well-developed industry in Georgia and a significant contributor to the country’s economy, Transparency International Georgia reports.Photo: todayifoundout.com.
Tweet 
Share
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.
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.
The Ministry of Defence of Georgia has developed new rules and strengthened existing rules where members of Georgia’s Armed Forces (GAF) will be immediately dismissed if they’re found to be under the influence of alcohol or engaged in gambling.
Hong Kong-listed company MelkoLot Ltd is coordinating investments for a new casino project in Tbilisi, Georgia’s capital.
All gambling soldiers will be dismissed, says Defence Minister
At a special briefing today Georgia’s Minister of Defence Tinatin Khidasheli said the major cause of suicide within the GAF was because soldiers were inundated with debt due to gambling.
Georgia’s seaside resort Batumi will become a networking haven to over 150 gambling professionals representing upwards of 20 countries to share ideas about current trends in the gambling business.
Minister of Finance Ivane Matchavariani presented a new initiative earlier today to reduce money laundering risks related to gambling in Georgia.
The government of Georgia has decided to reduce the cost of a first year permit fee to operate a casino in the capital city of Tbilisi from 5 million GEL to 2.5 million GEL. The decision will apply to permits that will be issued from July 5, 2021 to January 1, 2022.
Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili says the government has plans to increase fees for online gambling businesses – which are mostly foreign owned – as well as to ban ads, and increase the lower age limit for gamblers to 25 years.