The working group under the Ministry of Finance of Georgia has prepared a draft law on the organization of lotteries, gambling and winning games, which provides regulations for this sector.

The discussion of the bill was held at the Gambling Business Association. As it became known from the conference, one of the novelties introduced by the bill is the increase of the age limit for participation in the games up to 25 years.

Representatives of the Gambling Business Association are opposed to raising the age limit because, according to them, citizens under the age of 25 who like to gamble will either use a foreign website or practice hand-to-hand gambling.

"There are many shortcomings in the bill, which will damage the already regulated sphere. For example, raising the age limit will not set a precedent for people under the age of 25 not to play. Too many players will go to foreign sites, which will cause problems in the economy - the outflow of currency from the country and complete control over this market, and the user who will be in another market for some time, will not return to Georgia and in the long run, this sector It is not profitable for the country, because today the industry pays quite large taxes, it is in contact with many dependent businesses, from which the state taxes are also included, ”explained Giorgi Mamulaishvili, a member of the board of the Gambling Business Association.

According to him, the association has its own vision on how the identification-verification processes can be further tightened.

"Restriction is not a method of solving a problem. With the development of technology, both the financial and technological markets are so developed that the state does not have the resources to delay access to other markets, nor can it lock financial instruments - e-wallets, etc. Consequently, consumers are left with access to foreign products. The state suffers from this, especially when mass consumption of foreign products begins, including by minors, who today are unable to receive the services that an adult can in the gambling business, as all companies limit it and try not to set such precedents without the support of an adult. It is not, ”said Mamulaishvili.

The bill is currently being discussed in a working group format, so it is unknown whether the proposed regulation will be sent to Parliament for approval unchanged.

We would like to remind you that at this stage an 18-year-old citizen can participate in online games, and a 21-year-old can enter the casino and gambling club directly.

Source:https://commersant.ge/ge/post/25-wlamde-moqalaqeebistvis-azartuli-tamashebi-aikrdzaleba