‘We didn’t even get chance to ask’ – Georgia’s new gambling law takes Patriarchate by surprise
The Georgian Patriarchate was caught off guard by parliament's fast-tracked gambling law amendments, which allow international casinos to host tournaments.Summary
Archpriest Andria Jagmaidze, head of the Georgian Patriarchate’s public relations service, said the Patriarchate was surprised when parliament fast-tracked amendments to the gambling law. He noted the process moved so quickly that representatives had no opportunity to examine the draft or ask questions. The Patriarch was in western Georgia during the parliamentary consideration, preventing proper engagement. Jagmaidze expressed concern about the alarming state of gambling in the country and called for discussions with authorities on reducing harm, including setting up rehabilitation centers and addressing minimum age and enforcement. He contrasted the two-day passage of this law with previous regulatory efforts that took about four years and involved a Patriarchate working group. The amendments, approved on 28 October 2026, allow international casinos to organize international gambling tournaments, defined as competitions where at least 80% of participants hold foreign citizenship. Casinos are exempt from gambling business tax on club tables used exclusively for such tournaments with a prize pool exceeding 3 million lari (around $1 million). Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze downplayed the amendment’s significance, saying it merely introduces a specific tax framework for international tournaments like poker competitions broadcast on sports channels and does not fundamentally change existing rules. He claimed he only learned about the bill after parliament had already introduced it.
(Source：Jamnews In English)