A few days ago, the management portal of the poker club reported that from March 1, 2022, Georgian users will no longer be able to play in PokerStars.

It is reported that players in Georgia have until the end of February to withdraw the full amount from their accounts. All bonuses available to users will be converted into real money.

The reasons for the company's departure are related to the new regulations - the ban on advertising of gambling games, the increase of fees for gaming businesses and the increase of the age limit for players. Changes partially entered into force in Georgia in January.

According to the law, from January 1, 2022, the tax base of the sector will increase by 65-70%, and from March 1, television and outdoor advertising of gaming businesses and placement on Georgian websites will be prohibited. Advertising will be allowed only at the venue of the sports event - under the terms of the sponsorship agreement.

In the spring, age restrictions for participation in gambling games will also be implemented - access to them will be closed to persons under 25 years of age. Restrictions, among other things, concern socially vulnerable segments of the population - allowances from the state, as well as public officials, persons who apply to the Revenue Service with a request to use the self-restriction mechanism, and citizens who, at the request of family members, were placed on the "black list" based on court decisions.

Full legalization of gambling around the world is the policy of developed countries. Legalization of the field has several important functions. One of the main ones is economic, because the gambling industry stimulates the development of related sectors of the economy.

In this regard, Georgia is no exception, where the growth of the gambling market was accompanied by the growth of business activity in many industries. However, as a result of the changes provided by the new draft law, many sectors have been affected and will be affected;

The interests of those international companies that have made the largest investment in Georgia over the years are not taken into account - therefore, this will be a warning message to those companies that plan to invest in Georgia and, accordingly, to give a new push to the local economy. The expected changes in the tax legislation also contradict the guarantees defined by the Constitution of Georgia and violate the conditions established by the "investment protection" agreements signed with Great Britain and Sweden.

Source: https://sbccis.com/obshhie/2022/02/18/pokerstars-uhodit-iz-gruzii/