Gaming Law in Georgia has undergone significant changes and stricter regulations in recent years. This field covers the legal regulation of gambling and prize games (casinos, slot clubs, betting shops, online gambling). The state's goal is, on the one hand, to ensure business transparency and tax collection, and on the other, to protect society, especially vulnerable groups, from gambling addiction. Consequently, legislation strictly regulates the age of players (25 years), the list of dependent persons, advertising bans, and financial transactions.
In this complex and changing environment, gaming business operators need highly qualified legal support to ensure compliance with new regulations and avoid severe financial sanctions. Lawyers also protect players' rights if operators violate their legal obligations regarding payouts or account management.
What does Gaming Legal Service cover?
Legal services cover all key aspects of the sector:
- Regulatory Relations: Communication with the Revenue Service, obtaining permits, and monitoring compliance with licensing conditions.
- Compliance Assurance: Developing internal policies in accordance with AML/CFT (Anti-Money Laundering) legislation and establishing player verification procedures.
- Tax Consulting: Managing and optimizing specific tax regimes for the gaming business (GGR tax, fees).
- Advertising Regulations: Legal audit of marketing campaigns to comply with strict rules banning and restricting advertising.
- Dispute Resolution: Representation in court for disputes between operators and players (non-payment of winnings, account blocking).
- Software Certification: Legal support for the certification process of game algorithms and systems.
Common Scenarios and Needs
Legal assistance is often needed in the following cases:
- An online casino operator needs help implementing new regulations, such as integrating the system with the database of public servants and socially vulnerable persons.
- A company is fined for placing prohibited advertising (e.g., on social media or outdoor banners) and wants to appeal the fine.
- A player's account was blocked without grounds, and winnings were withheld due to an alleged technical glitch.
- A foreign investor plans to open a slot club and is interested in regional tax incentives (e.g., Batumi vs. Tbilisi).
- An operator has a dispute with the Financial Monitoring Service regarding the suspiciousness of transactions.
Georgian Legislation and Regulations
The gaming business is regulated by several key acts:
- Law on Organizing Lotteries, Games of Chance and Other Prize Games: The main law defining permit conditions and prohibitions.
- Tax Code of Georgia: Establishes special tax regimes for gambling.
- Law on License and Permit Fees: Defines permit fees based on location and game type.
- Law on Facilitating Prevention of Money Laundering: Imposes strict obligations on client identification.
Service Process
Legal services include:
- Risk Assessment: Analyzing the business model for compliance with current legislation.
- Documentation Preparation: Developing internal procedures, rules, and contracts.
- Licensing: Managing the permit acquisition process at the Revenue Service.
- Ongoing Consultation: Continuous support amidst changing regulations.
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