Legal liability in the gambling sector is being tightened, and the fines imposed for failing to comply with licensing conditions are increasing.
The amendments are being introduced to the Law on “Arranging Lotteries, Gambling and Prize Games.” The government has submitted the relevant initiative to Parliament.
A draft has been presented to Parliament, according to which the fine for holders of casino operation licenses will increase from 7,000 GEL to 20,000 GEL.
For holders of slot machine salon licenses, the fine will increase from 1,000 GEL to 10,000 GEL.
For holders of gambling club licenses, the fine will increase from 2,000 GEL to 10,000 GEL.
For holders of licenses to provide gambling and prize games, the fine will increase from 2,000 GEL to 10,000 GEL, while for holders of licenses to organize casino, slot machine, and totalizator games in a system-electronic form, the fine will increase from 7,000 GEL to 20,000 GEL.
As the government explains, the current fines do not serve as an effective deterrent and fail to ensure proper prevention.
“In many cases, it is economically more beneficial for a license holder to violate the licensing conditions and then pay the fine, rather than fully comply with the established requirements,” the government states.
The draft was prepared by the Ministry of Finance.
