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Casino Licensing

How much does a casino license cost in Georgia?

Fees vary by location. In Tbilisi, the annual fee is 5 million GEL. In Batumi, it is 250,000 GEL. In certain resort zones like Kazbegi and Tskaltubo, there is no annual fee.

Are there tax incentives for opening a casino?

Yes, especially if the casino is located within a newly built hotel with a certain number of rooms (e.g., 80 or 100 rooms). In such cases, the license fee may be waived for 10 years.

Can foreigners own a casino in Georgia?

Yes, foreign ownership is fully permitted. However, owners and beneficiaries undergo strict background checks to prevent money laundering.

What are the location restrictions?

Casinos cannot be located near educational institutions, religious buildings, or administrative agencies. They are typically required to be in separate buildings or hotels.

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Casino licensing in Georgia is one of the most expensive and complex administrative processes, requiring not only solid financial resources but also meticulous knowledge of legislation. The Georgian government uses differentiated license fees based on regions to promote tourism development in specific zones (e.g., conditions in Batumi, Tskaltubo, and Kazbegi differ from Tbilisi). Obtaining a permit to open a casino involves a multi-stage check, including verifying the background of owners, certifying gaming inventory, and presenting strict financial guarantees.

Operating a casino without a permit is a criminal offense. Investors often face difficulties when selecting a location (prohibited near schools and religious institutions) and planning tax obligations. The assistance of an experienced lawyer is essential to protect the investment and quickly overcome bureaucratic barriers.

What does Casino Licensing Service cover?

Specialized legal services include the following stages:

  • Location Analysis: Checking whether the selected building meets legal requirements (distance from protected objects, area size).
  • Permit Acquisition: Preparing and submitting full documentation to the Revenue Service to obtain a permit for organizing a casino.
  • Financial Structuring: Securing bank guarantees in accordance with legislative requirements and managing fee payment schemes.
  • Inventory Certification: Legal formalization of the certification and sealing process for gaming tables, roulettes, and machines.
  • Staff Permits: Arranging necessary permits and contracts for casino employees.
  • AML Policy: Developing internal instructions for Anti-Money Laundering and registering with the Financial Monitoring Service.

Common Scenarios and Needs

The lawyer's role is crucial in the casino licensing process when:

  • A foreign investor plans to open a casino in a hotel complex and wants to benefit from the license fee exemption (e.g., in exchange for building a 100-room hotel in Batumi).
  • Annual renewal of the permit and presentation of new financial guarantees are required to avoid suspension of activities.
  • A casino owner wants to install additional gaming tables, which requires changes to the permit certificate and payment of additional fees.
  • A state agency refuses to issue a permit due to a formal defect, requiring an immediate appeal.
  • Management of the casino is being transferred (Management Agreement) to an international operator, requiring the drafting of a complex contract.

Georgian Legislation and Regulations

Casino licensing is regulated by:

  • Law on Licenses and Permits: Defines the permit regime.
  • Law on License and Permit Fees: Sets the fee amount by region (e.g., 5 million GEL in Tbilisi, less or free in other regions).
  • Law on Organizing Lotteries, Games of Chance and Other Prize Games: Details rules for casino functioning.
  • Orders of the Minister of Internal Affairs: Define security norms and video surveillance standards.

Service Process

The process includes:

  1. Preliminary Consultation: Introduction to the investment environment and regional incentives.
  2. Documentation Collection: Registry extracts, building plans, criminal record certificates.
  3. Application Submission: Going through formal procedures at the Revenue Service.
  4. Operational Support: Ongoing legal services after opening.

Find a Specialist on Legal.ge

Opening a casino is a multi-million dollar investment that needs a solid legal foundation. Legal.ge connects you with lawyers who have experience in this specific sector and will help you conduct the process successfully and legally.

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