Georgia

Gambling License

Looking to operate a gambling business in Georgia? Here’s what you need to know: Georgia offers licenses for both online and land-based gambling, with clear rules and competitive tax benefits. Operators can now target international markets (starting December 1, 2024), making Georgia an attractive alternative to jurisdictions like the Isle of Man or Curacao.

Key Highlights:

• License Types: B2C (for operators) and B2B (for service providers).

• Costs: Online casino licenses start at GEL 5M (~$1.7M), with quarterly fees of GEL 250K–300K.

• Tax Benefits: 5% GGR tax for international operations (15% for local).

• Application Time: Standard processing is 20 days; expedited options available.

• Renewal: Licenses last 5 years, with streamlined renewal processes.

Challenges include strict advertising rules, a legal gambling age of 25 for locals, and mandatory local infrastructure. But with stable legislation until 2030 and growing market potential, Georgia is a promising destination for gambling operators.

Read on for a step-by-step guide to applying, renewal processes, and compliance requirements.

Georgia Gambling License Basics

Georgia's licensing system oversees both land-based and online gambling, providing a clear framework for various gaming activities. Recent updates have modernized the structure, making it more organized.

Allowed Gambling Activities

Georgia's market includes several gambling categories, each with its own fee structure. Starting December 1, 2024, online licenses will be available, with the following options:

Land-based gambling options include:

• Casino tables: GEL 20,000–40,000 per table

• Gaming machines: GEL 2,000–4,000 per machine

• Gambling club tables: GEL 14,000 per table

• System-electronic gaming: GEL 25,000–30,000

These fees create a structured and competitive environment for operators.

Laws and Regulators

Georgia's gambling industry operates under a dual system: licenses are issued by the Ministry of Finance, while the Revenue Service ensures tax compliance.

Starting December 1, 2024, operators can target international markets, with separate revenue tracking for local and foreign players. A reduced 5% GGR tax applies to foreign-only operators, while the standard 15% GGR tax remains for those serving Georgian players.

Operators can use up to two domains - one for local users and one for international customers. However, online betting licenses require an existing land-based sports betting license. This condition does not apply to online casino or slots licenses, which are open to any applicant meeting the eligibility criteria.

License Requirements

Georgia's gambling licensing framework sets out clear rules for eligibility and compliance.

Who Can Apply

Both local and international operators are eligible to apply. To do so, companies must register as a Limited Liability Company (LLC) in Georgia. There’s no requirement for founders to be residents. However, operators must establish a physical presence in the country, which includes having a registered office, local servers, and local management. Applicants also need to gather the necessary documentation to support their application.

Required Documents

Applications are submitted to the Ministry of Finance, and specific documents are mandatory. Here’s a breakdown of the key documents required:

Online gambling operators face additional requirements, such as:

• Proof of the management address for the project

• A detailed list of games and their rules

• Evidence of measures to prevent underage participation

• Protocols for processing data

Financial and Technical Rules

Operators must also meet specific financial and technical standards:

• Secure Random Number Generator certification from recognized labs

• Ensure all games maintain a minimum RTP (Return to Player) rate of 90%

• Host all gaming servers in Georgia and transfer 15% of Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) monthly

Pros and Cons of Georgian License

The Georgian gambling license presents a mix of opportunities and challenges, offering valuable insights for operators navigating this competitive market.

Benefits

• A 5% GGR tax applies to foreign-player operations, compared to 15% for Georgian residents.

• Businesses in the Kutaisi Free Industrial Zone enjoy tax exemptions, including VAT, dividend, and property tax.

• Both online and offline gambling are fully legalized.

• Starting December 1, 2024, international operations will be allowed for online casinos, slots, and betting.

• Operators can accept bets in EUR and USD.

• No specific authorized capital requirements are imposed.

• Legislation is set to remain stable until 2030.

• Licenses are processed within a standard 20-day timeframe.

• Simplified interbank transactions and reduced currency controls make operations smoother.

While these points highlight the license's appeal, there are notable challenges operators must address.

Limitations

• Gambling promotion faces strict advertising restrictions.

• The legal gambling age is set at 25, impacting over 1.45 million Georgian citizens ^[6].

• Georgian payment providers are prohibited from processing foreign gambling transactions.

Operational Challenges

• Operators must use separate domains for Georgian and foreign audiences.

• Rising taxation is pushing local players toward offshore gambling platforms ^[6].

While these hurdles may add complexity, the stable legal framework and favorable tax policies for international operations provide a solid foundation for businesses.

How to Apply

Getting a gambling license in Georgia involves a clear, step-by-step process managed by the Revenue Service. Here's what you need to know to navigate the procedure.

Setting Up a Company

Before you can apply, you’ll need to register a legal entity in Georgia. Here are the basics:

• Establish a local presence in Georgia.

• Make sure all funding documents are up-to-date.

• Create a corporate structure that aligns with the country's regulations.

Submitting Documents

Once your company is registered, the next step is to gather and submit the required paperwork.

Key Documents to Prepare:

• Corporate registration paperwork and extracts.

• A detailed operational outline, including bet limits, products, loyalty programs, and gaming layout.

• RNG (Random Number Generator) certificates from approved labs like eCOGRA, GLI, or QUINEL.

• Platform and game certifications.

• Technical documentation.

• Proof of funds and evidence of technical compliance.

Technical Requirements:

• Gambling platforms must integrate with the regulator's monitoring system.

• Anti-Money Laundering (AML) risk management systems must be in place.

• Systems should comply with responsible gambling protocols.

After completing the documentation and technical setup, you’ll move on to the approval phase.

Getting Approved

To proceed, ensure all documents and system integrations meet the necessary standards.

1. Initial Application
Submit your initial application through the Selected Person's portal. The processing time is 20 days, and if no decision is made within this period, the permit is automatically approved. ^[8]

2. Technical Integration
Complete the integration of your system with the Selected Person. Once successful, you’ll receive an authorization certificate within two days. ^[8]

3. Final Steps

• Pay the annual permit fee of 100,000 GEL. ^[8]

• Finalize a service agreement with the Selected Person.

• Submit your authorization certificate to the Revenue Service. ^[8]

Need Faster Processing?

You can opt for expedited processing at the following rates:

B2C and B2B License Types

Main Differences

B2C licenses are designed for direct gaming operators like online casinos, land-based venues, sports betting companies, and slot halls. On the other hand, B2B licenses cater to service providers such as game software developers, RNG suppliers, and technical platform providers. Software suppliers without a B2B license can still collaborate with licensed aggregator platforms. This distinction determines the range of activities each license type allows, as outlined below.

Allowed Operations

Georgia's licensing system supports a variety of activities under both B2C and B2B licenses:

B2C licenses cover a wide range of activities, including casino operations (both land-based and online), slot halls, sports betting, poker clubs (for specific license holders), and betting on non-sports events. B2B licenses, meanwhile, focus on areas like game development, platform services, RNG software, and technical infrastructure.

One notable change was the removal of the requirement for online casino operators to first open a physical slot machine hall. This adjustment has made the market more attractive to international investors and B2B service providers.

Both license types are governed by the 2005 Gambling Regulation Act, which enforces strict compliance with standards set by the Revenue Service ^[8].

License Renewal

Once a license is granted, staying compliant and renewing it on time is essential to keep operations running smoothly.

Renewal Steps and Deadlines

Licenses are issued for a 5-year period, with a streamlined renewal process available for operators who meet all requirements. The Revenue Service of Georgia manages the renewal, which involves:

• Submitting a renewal application using your existing authorization certificate ^[8].

• Undergoing a regulatory review to confirm adherence to AML (Anti-Money Laundering) rules and responsible gaming standards.

• Ensuring that key personnel have clean police records and fulfill economic substance criteria.

• Verifying that your platform remains connected to the Regulator’s system.

Ongoing compliance not only simplifies the renewal process but also helps maintain operational stability.

Costs and Required Documents

The annual license fees depend on the location of operations:

Failing to renew properly or on time can lead to penalties, including fines of up to GEL 20,000, license revocation, or even imprisonment for up to five years.

Operators must stay up-to-date with all regulatory requirements. This includes providing proof of legitimate funding, using certified platforms and games, maintaining active AML systems, and keeping responsible gambling documentation.

Operating Rules

Running a licensed gambling business in Georgia requires adhering to strict guidelines focused on player protection and responsible gaming.

AML and Player Protection

The Financial Monitoring Service of Georgia enforces anti-money laundering (AML) measures that operators must follow:

To gamble in Georgia, citizens must be at least 25 years old, while foreign nationals can participate starting at 18. Operators are required to provide tools like self-exclusion options, deposit limits, and clear information on responsible gambling. They must also implement real-time transaction monitoring and maintain direct reporting channels with the Financial Monitoring Service.

These safeguards form the foundation for Georgia’s rigorous marketing rules.

Marketing Rules

Georgia enforces strict advertising regulations to ensure fair gaming practices and protect consumers. Gambling promotions are limited to specific, approved channels:

• Licensed gambling facilities

• International airports

• Border customs checkpoints

• Licensed operators' websites

• Sponsorships of sports teams and events

Television and radio ads are banned between 6 AM and 12 AM, with exceptions for:

• Major events (accompanied by mandatory warnings)

• Paid channels equipped with PIN codes or blocking systems

Licensed operators can sponsor sports teams and title regional or international tournaments, allowing brand exposure while staying compliant.

Violations of these rules can lead to fines of up to GEL 20,000 (around USD 7,300) and even license suspension. This framework prioritizes responsible operations and market stability over aggressive marketing strategies.

Together, these operational and marketing regulations underpin Georgia's tightly controlled gambling industry.

Fees and Timeframes

License Costs

Georgia has a tiered fee system based on the type of activity, with separate rules for online and land-based operations.

Annual fees for land-based operations by location:

Quarterly equipment fees for physical establishments:

Operators are also responsible for ongoing compliance costs and taxes, including:

• Income tax: 20% (applies to staff salaries and player winnings)

• Property tax: 1%

• Corporate income tax: 15%

These fees ensure operators meet regulatory standards while contributing to the local economy.

Time to Complete

Georgia offers flexible processing timelines to accommodate operator needs:

The standard review process takes 20 working days at no extra charge. For online sports betting licenses under Senate Bill 208, the process is longer - 90 days - with a nonrefundable $10,000 application fee and a $100,000 annual licensing fee for service providers.

This structure balances regulation with flexibility, allowing businesses to choose timelines and costs that align with their operational needs.