Online poker is legal in Georgia (the country) under a regulated licensing system that has been in place since gambling laws were liberalized in 1990. The country allows various forms of gambling including casinos, slot machine halls, and online gambling operations, all of which must obtain proper licensing from the Georgian government (1). Foreign players can participate in Georgian online gambling without facing local taxation on their winnings, making it an attractive jurisdiction for international operators.
Georgia's gambling framework requires operators to obtain appropriate licenses and comply with regulatory requirements, including taxation on gross gaming revenue (GGR) for certain activities. The legal structure distinguishes between different types of gambling venues, with betting shops and land-based casinos being exempt from GGR tax, while other operations face specific tax obligations (2). The country has developed a comprehensive regulatory system that oversees all gambling activities within its borders.
"Gambling in Georgia has been legal since 1990 when gambling laws were liberalized in Georgia, with significant growth experienced in the 2000s."
Georgian residents who participate in online gambling, including poker, face a 5% tax on winning withdrawal amounts when playing in slot machine halls and online casinos. The regulatory environment continues to evolve, with ongoing updates to legislation expected to maintain compliance with international standards. The government maintains oversight of all gambling activities to ensure fair play, prevent money laundering, and protect consumers while generating revenue through licensing fees and taxation.
Source:
https://www.legal500.com/guides/chapter/georgia-gambling-law/
https://lawstrust.com/en/licence/gambling/ge
Last updated: 27-09-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
