Gambling ads to be banned starting March 1

  • The PM said the government had plans to raise taxes on online casinos in general, adding his team was prioritising development of sports, promotion of education, and creation of employment opportunities. Photo: ThoroughlyReviewed/CC BY 2.0.

Agenda.ge, 24 Feb 2022 - 17:20, Tbilisi,Georgia

All gambling ads will be banned in Georgia starting March 1, while citizens under the age of 25 will no longer be able to use gambling websites, Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili has announced.

The head of the government called the issue one of the biggest problems for the Georgian society over the years, adding 1.5 billion GEL ($476 million/€426 million) was spent in online casinos every year, mostly involving youth and minors.

Speaking about the new restrictions, the PM said “many people were involved in these vicious games”, adding even a reduction of the figure by a billion would “already be a great relief”.

Garibashvili highlighted a conversation he had had with his economic team, the government and the parliamentary majority around the announced limitations on gambling.

The PM said the government had plans to raise taxes on online casinos in general, adding his team was prioritising development of sports, promotion of education, and creation of employment opportunities.

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