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Gambling

Gambling

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A CrystalBet casino in the centre of Tbilisi. Photo: Tata Shoshiashvili/OC Media.
Gambling

Georgia passes sweeping gambling restrictions

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Georgia’s parliament has passed a bill imposing serious restrictions on gambling, including raising the age limit for gambling, banning advertisements, and increasing taxes on the industry. The law was voted through by the Georgian Dream MPs on Wednesday following expedited hearings in parliament. Activists have long campaigned for restrictions on gambling in Georgia, pointing to addiction problems, indebtedness, and even suicides linked to problem gambling. Critics, however, have cast doubt

CrystalBet slot club in Tbilisi. Photo: Tata Shoshiashvili/OC Media.
Feature Stories

‘I thought I was invincible’ — the Georgian teenagers gambling online

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While online casinos are legally restricted to those over 18, thousands of Georgian teenagers are gambling online nevertheless. Activists warn of an addiction epidemic, pointing the finger at loopholes in the verification process and pervasive advertising. Luka (not his real name), a 23-year-old from Tbilisi, started gambling online when he was 17 years old. His life has changed dramatically due to online gambling. ‘After the first win, I lost control of myself. Now, when I think back, I fee

Georgian anti-gambling campaign kicks off with protest in Tbilisi
Anna Dolidze

Georgian anti-gambling campaign kicks off with protest in Tbilisi

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Around a hundred people gathered outside the Georgian Government Chancellery building on Friday to demand the government take action against gambling. Their immediate demands included a ban on gambling advertisements. The demonstration kicked off with a speech from campaigner Anna Dolidze, a non-judge member of Georgia’s judiciary oversight agency, the High Council of Justice. Dolidze read out a statement with four demands, vowing to gather 10,000 signatures for their appeal to upload to

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