Georgia Casino Guide
Getting Started
Georgia (and we’re talking about the country here, not the US state) is an Eastern European nation where online and land-based gambling is all the rage, and more importantly, fully legal. Nestled between Asia and Europe, the country only has a population of under four million. Tax revenue is, therefore, substantially important. Given that, it isn’t a surprise to see Georgia legalise online gambling. What does this mean for you, though? What kinds of gambling games can you play in Georgia? If you’re eager to find out, join us as we explain all in our guide.
Georgia’s Gambling Laws and Regulations
Georgia has one of the best-rated gambling sectors in its geographical region. From land-based gambling to online casinos, Georgia’s small population (and its notable tourists) loved to bet. As wild as it is, gambling represents almost a third of Georgia’s GDP. As one of the fastest-growing gambling sectors in the world, Georgia naturally makes it possible to wager on seemingly anything and everything.
You might wonder how a country with a population of under 4 million people amasses such wealth from gambling. As it turns out, Georgia is surrounded by predominantly Muslim countries. Unsurprisingly, residents can’t gamble in those countries because of Islamic law. Similarly, nearby Russians also make the trip to Georgia, as Russia itself takes a dim view on gambling. However, these foreign residents are more than happy to turn a touch hypocritical and nip over the border to blast their cash in Georgia. Make no mistake about it – many of them do just that, and that is just fine for Georgia’s gambling industry.
Georgia’s laws come from the Law of Georgia on Organising Lotteries, Game of Chance and Other Prize Games. More specifically, no. 5448 from 2011. This document essentially decided that all forms of gambling and internet betting would be legal.
Officially, an online casino should have acquired a gambling license from the Georgian authorities. However, in practice, many of them don’t. Georgia doesn’t necessarily go overboard when it comes to shutting down offshore casinos and sportsbooks. However, the general low cost of official licenses persuades most foreign operators to do things legally and snap up one of those licenses. To our knowledge, there are no punishments in place for Georgians who decide to ignore that and visit offshore casinos. Nor does Georgia make any serious attempts to blacklist foreign sites.
Who Regulates and Licenses Georgian Casino Sites?
The Ministry of Finance has total control over the entire gambling industry in Georgia. It is this authority that determines which sites are licensed, and they regulate the industry. One particular part of that ministry, the Revenue Service, is the license-issuing body, and they’ll happily provide a license legalising your service for anything from $20,000 to $400,000. Over a hundred foreign casinos have already applied for these licenses, which last several years.
Georgian casinos aren’t solely available to players in Georgia. Because of this, those in neighbouring countries also sign up for Georgian online casinos. This means operators have access to a substantially larger market than they would expect, since Georgians and non-Georgians alike are often members. Naturally, this makes obtaining a license very much worth the trouble.
Georgia’s Most Popular Gambling Games
Georgians have access to all manner of top casino games. Many love to wager on sports, but you’ll also find a generous number of Georgia-based players who throw down on slots and RNG (random number generator) table games. Live dealer games aren’t quite as possible at this moment in time, but they are still offered to players in the Eastern European country all the same.
Georgia is a small country, but its fledgeling and rapidly growing gambling sector have seen one or two software providers emerge. While none of them is quite yet on the same scale as major European developers, they are on the rise and can be found as part of SoftSwiss’ game aggregation software. GammaStack is arguably the most popular developed in the country, even if its origins are in Belarus.
Who Can Play?
As touched on earlier, Georgian online casinos aren’t reserved for players residing in the country. Russian players and those located in nearby Muslim countries often join these sites since they can’t gamble at legal betting sites in their own nation. This ensures that Georgian online casinos have quite a following and raise a fair bit of revenue for the state.
Georgia doesn’t blacklist or ban offshore casinos – those licensed sites operating outside of Georgia and without a Georgian license. However, those casinos are required to withhold taxes on a player’s winnings. Ultimately, bettors in Georgia can bet on what they want, where they want, with precious few issues. This makes Georgia one of the industry leaders when it comes to online gambling freedom.
Georgia Online Casino Payment Options
In Georgia, players have access to various payment methods when participating in online casinos. These methods can be categorized into Credit/Debit Cards, Cryptocurrencies, E-wallets, and Local Payment Methods. Please note that regulations may change, and it’s always best to verify the information with the specific casino or financial institution.
Credit/Debit Cards:
a. Visa: Widely accepted by online casinos, Visa offers a secure and convenient way for Georgian players to deposit and withdraw funds. Visa transactions usually have low fees and fast processing times.
b. Mastercard: Similar to Visa, Mastercard is another globally recognized credit and debit card option. It offers secure transactions and is accepted by many online casinos catering to players in Georgia.
c. Maestro: Owned by Mastercard, Maestro is a debit card service available to Georgian players. It provides a secure way to deposit and withdraw funds in online casinos, with fast processing times.
Cryptocurrencies:
a. Bitcoin (BTC): As the most popular cryptocurrency, Bitcoin is accepted by several online casinos in Georgia. It offers secure, anonymous transactions with low fees and fast processing times.
b. Ethereum (ETH): Ethereum is another popular cryptocurrency accepted by some online casinos in Georgia. It provides secure and fast transactions with lower fees compared to traditional payment methods.
c. Litecoin (LTC): Litecoin is a cryptocurrency that some Georgian online casinos accept. It offers fast and secure transactions with low fees, similar to other cryptocurrencies.
E-wallets:
a. Neteller: Neteller is an e-wallet service that provides Georgian players with a secure way to deposit and withdraw funds from online casinos. It is widely accepted and known for its fast processing times and low fees.
b. Skrill: Skrill is another e-wallet option available to Georgian players. It offers secure transactions and is accepted by many online casinos. Skrill is known for its low fees and fast processing times.
c. ecoPayz: ecoPayz is an e-wallet that Georgian players can use for online casino transactions. It provides secure and fast transactions with low fees and is accepted by several online casinos in Georgia.
Local Payment Methods:
a. TBC Pay: TBC Pay is a Georgian online payment platform that allows users to make secure transactions using their TBC Bank accounts. Some online casinos catering to Georgian players accept TBC Pay as a deposit and withdrawal method.
b. Bank of Georgia Pay: Similar to TBC Pay, Bank of Georgia Pay is an online payment platform for users with Bank of Georgia accounts. It is accepted by some online casinos in Georgia for secure deposits and withdrawals.
Before using any of these payment methods, ensure that the online casino you choose supports them, and double-check for any updates in local regulations.
New Online Casinos Georgia 2024
New Online Slots Georgia
F.A.Q's
1. Is online gambling legal in Georgia?
Yes, online gambling is legal in Georgia. The government regulates and licenses both local and foreign operators, ensuring that players have a safe and secure gaming environment. For more information on licensing and regulation, visit our Licensing and Regulation guide category.
2. What payment methods are available for Georgian players?
Georgian players have access to a variety of payment methods, including credit and debit cards, e-wallets, bank transfers, and even cryptocurrencies. To learn more about the available payment options, check out our Payment Methods page.
3. Can I play casino games on my mobile device?
Yes, most online casinos offer mobile gaming options for players in Georgia. You can enjoy a wide range of games, including slots, table games, and live dealer games, on your smartphone or tablet. Visit our Mobile Gaming guide category for more information on how to get started.
4. Are live dealer games available for Georgian players?
Yes, live dealer games are available for players in Georgia. These games offer an immersive experience, allowing you to interact with real dealers and other players in real-time. To learn more about live dealer games and how they work, visit our Live Dealers page.
5. How can I ensure my online gambling activities are safe and secure?
It’s essential to choose a licensed and regulated online casino to ensure your safety and security. Look for casinos that use SSL encryption to protect your personal and financial information. For more tips on staying safe while gambling online, visit our Safety and Security guide category.
6. What should I do if I have a problem with an online casino?
If you encounter any issues with an online casino, the first step is to contact their customer support team. For more information on how to handle disputes and what to expect from customer support, visit our Customer Support guide category.
7. Are casino bonuses available for Georgian players?
Yes, Georgian players can take advantage of various casino bonuses, including welcome bonuses, reload bonuses, and loyalty programs. To learn more about these promotions and how to make the most of them, visit our Bonuses and Loyalty Programs guide category.
8. How can I practice responsible gambling in Georgia?
To practice responsible gambling, set limits on your spending, and avoid chasing losses. It’s also essential to be aware of the signs of problem gambling and seek help if necessary. For more information on responsible gambling principles and resources available to Georgian players, visit our Responsible Gambling Principles guide category.
9. Can I play online poker in Georgia?
Yes, online poker is legal and available for Georgian players. Many online casinos and poker rooms cater to players in Georgia, offering a variety of games and tournaments. For tips and strategies to improve your online poker skills, visit our Online Poker Tips & Strategies guide category.
10. How do I find the best online casino for Georgian players?
To find the best online casino for Georgian players, consider factors such as game selection, payment options, customer support, and licensing. It’s crucial to choose a reputable and trustworthy casino that prioritizes player safety and offers a high-quality gaming experience. Our Casino Guides can help you learn more about these factors and make an informed decision.