Georgia opposition calls for a full ban on online and land-based casinos for citizens

Georgia’s opposition party, United National Movement, has asked the government and parliament to urgently draft amendments that would stop Georgian citizens from playing in both land-based and online casinos. For PSPs and operators, the key point is obvious: if this moves beyond a political statement, it would directly affect domestic player access, account registration, and the way gambling businesses target the local market.

1. According to the party, more than 1 million people in Georgia are registered on online gambling platforms, which it describes as almost one in three residents. It also says around 400,000 people are already addicted to gambling.
2. The party says the problem is hitting young people and working-age adults the hardest. Its proposed response is a blanket ban on Georgian citizens playing in land-based and online casinos inside the country.
3. Alongside the ban, United National Movement wants an economic plan that would shift the gambling business toward foreign tourists. In practice, that means preserving the sector’s revenue model while cutting off local access.
4. The proposal also includes a state program for prevention and treatment of gambling addiction, plus stronger action against illegal online platforms and a long-term enforcement strategy.