Georgia Proposes New Licensing Framework for International iGaming Operators
A draft amendment to the country's Law on the Organisation of Lotteries, Gambling and Prize Games has been submitted to parliament under an accelerated legislative process.
The Georgian government has unveiled plans to introduce a dedicated licensing system for iGaming operators targeting international players, in a move designed to attract foreign investment while maintaining strict protections for the domestic market.
A draft amendment to the country's Law on the Organisation of Lotteries, Gambling and Prize Games has been submitted to parliament under an accelerated legislative process. If approved, the legislation would create a new licensing framework exclusively for operators serving players outside of Georgia.
Under the proposal, licensed operators would benefit from a significantly reduced Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) tax rate of 5%, compared with the current 20% tax applied to online gambling services offered to Georgian residents.
The proposed licences would be valid for five years, with operators required to pay an annual licence fee of approximately €33,000. A penalty of €6,000 would apply for missed payments or breaches of licensing conditions.
The framework would also introduce stricter operating requirements. Each licence would permit the use of just one domain, replacing the current system that allows operators to hold up to two licences. In addition, access to these platforms would be restricted exclusively to foreign citizens and stateless individuals, with Georgian residents automatically prevented from participating.
Lawmakers believe the proposed model strikes a balance between strengthening consumer protection within the domestic market and creating new opportunities for economic growth through international gaming services.
The initiative mirrors regulatory approaches already adopted in established iGaming jurisdictions such as Malta, the Isle of Man and Gibraltar, where dedicated licensing regimes for international operators have helped attract investment, support industry growth and generate additional tax revenue.
If passed, the legislation would represent a significant step in Georgia's ambitions to establish itself as an attractive destination for internationally focused iGaming businesses while maintaining a tightly regulated local gambling market.
