Residents of the former Soviet republic of Georgia under the age of 25 have been banned from gambling. The Ministry of Finance disclosed the prohibition on March 28, as reported by SBC News.
The ban will affect more than 1.45 million Georgians. It was approved last year, said Lasha Khutsishvili, Minister of Finance, who said those under 25 are considered particularly vulnerable. The ban also includes public employees, those forbidden from gambling by the courts and those who have self-excluded themselves from the activity.
According to SBC, the changes were necessary for Georgia to be granted European Union candidate status. They are part of strengthening the country’s ability to fight organized crime.
Georgia is also forbidding gambling advertising on national media and ramping up the percentage of taxation of the industry. It will forbid casino ships and tighten restrictions on online gaming by requiring licenses that will cost $36,974. So far about a dozen such licenses have been issued.
The Georgian Gambling Association (GGA) says it hopes to have more consultations and hearings with the government to offer its arguments on the new restrictions. And to hear the details of the new gambling regulations.
According to the GGA, more taxation is leading to more residents visiting gray market and offshore gaming sites.
