Kobakhidze says gambling tournament amendments too minor to require broad debate
Georgian PM Kobakhidze dismissed gambling tournament amendments as minor, saying they needed no broad debate and he was initially unaware.Summary
Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has downplayed legislative amendments that would allow international gambling tournaments in Georgia, calling them minor and saying they did not require broad public discussion. He also said he had initially been unaware of the proposal. Parliament adopted the package at its third and final reading under an accelerated procedure, with 73 votes in favor and five against, across two plenary sittings. The amendments were introduced by Georgian Dream lawmakers. Kobakhidze said the bill introduces no significant innovation, concerns specific tournament types such as poker tournaments broadcast on international sports channels, and involves certain tax regulations. He said no major change is being introduced and a broad discussion was unnecessary, adding that he learned of the bill only after it was introduced and statements were made about it. Responding to questions about possible lobbying interests, he said the bill had initiators rather than lobbyists and that any substantial money would ultimately go into the state budget. Once the amendments take effect, international gambling tournaments will be permitted in Georgia.
(Source：Georgia Today)