---
title: "Disputes with a Foreign Operator — Refusal to Pay, Account Blocking, Remedies"
url: "https://legal.ge/en/service/media-entertainment-and-sports-law-en/disputes-with-a-foreign-operator-refusal-to-pay-account-blocking-remedies-en"
field: "Media, Entertainment & Sports Law"
description: "Winnings do not give rise to a claim — except a game permitted by the state: Civil Code 951-952. Legal.ge."
updated: "2026-11-01"
publisher: "legal.ge"
---

# Disputes with a Foreign Operator — Refusal to Pay, Account Blocking, Remedies

> Source: legal.ge, https://legal.ge/en/service/media-entertainment-and-sports-law-en/disputes-with-a-foreign-operator-refusal-to-pay-account-blocking-remedies-en

## The Civil Nature of Play

Assessing a dispute with a foreign operator begins from a fundamental norm of the Civil Code. Article 951 establishes: play or wager does not give rise to a claim. This rule also extends to a loan or advance deliberately given for play or wager. Likewise, performance rendered on the basis of play or wager cannot be reclaimed. Thus, as a rule, a won amount does not create an enforceable obligation on which to sue.

The exception to this general rule lies in article 952: a lottery contract or similar games give rise to an obligation if they — a draw, casting of lots or ballot — are permitted by the state. A qualified financial contract, however, is not play or wager, and the operation of these rules does not extend to it.

## What This Means for a Dispute

Two situations must be distinguished. First: a licensed game permitted by the state — here the exception operates, and the winnings give rise to an obligation; such a dispute has a proper foundation. Second: an unlicensed foreign platform — here the sign of state permission is absent, and the general rule — the non-arising of a claim — operates. The court perspective in these two cases is fundamentally different.

Therefore the strategy of the dispute is built, first of all, on qualification: whether the concrete transaction is connected with a game permitted by the state. If not — the legal construction of the basis of the claim must be different: within the circle of claims of another character, if they can be found in the facts.

The full text is available on legal.ge after signing in: https://legal.ge/en/service/media-entertainment-and-sports-law-en/disputes-with-a-foreign-operator-refusal-to-pay-account-blocking-remedies-en

### Is a claim for winnings possible?

As a rule — no; the exception is a game permitted by the state.

### When does an obligation exist?

When the draw, casting of lots or ballot is permitted — then the games give rise to an obligation.

### Is a loan returnable?

The rule extends to a loan or advance deliberately given for play; performance cannot be reclaimed either.

### How to begin?

With qualification and the documentary recording of facts — strategy is chosen afterwards.