Georgia to Launch International iGaming Export Regime

Georgia is preparing to establish itself as an international iGaming jurisdiction, with an official export regime set to be revealed in August 2026. This initiative aims to position the Caucasus nation as a regulatory hub for gambling services, solutions, and technologies targeting international markets, particularly across Europe, Central Asia, and the Middle East, marking a significant development for new casino market entry and regulatory frameworks.

Key Takeaways

• Georgia will launch an official iGaming export regime in August 2026.
• The regime aims to become an international licensing center for foreign-facing operators.
• A 5% tax on gross gaming revenue will apply to international licence holders.

Regulatory Framework Details

Government officials and policy advisers have confirmed plans to introduce legislation creating a dedicated licensing framework specifically for operators serving customers exclusively outside Georgia. This framework will make international online casino, sportsbook, and gaming licenses available solely to companies targeting international casino markets, ensuring Georgian consumers remain separate from this regime. The objective is to attract foreign capital, high-value employment, and export revenues without expanding domestic gambling participation.

Market Implications and Competitive Landscape

Vakhtang Katamadze, Supervisory Board Member of RSG, stated that Georgia intends to compete by offering legal certainty, regulatory credibility, and banking confidence, rather than solely on tax rates. He emphasized, "Georgia is not trying to build a larger domestic gambling market. We are building an export industry, a trend also seen with new live casinos targeting international players." The proposed framework includes a 5% tax on gross gaming revenue for international licence holders, a rate substantially lower than that applied to domestic operators. The regime will place considerable emphasis on anti-money laundering controls, rigorous know-your-customer obligations, transparent supervision, and financial governance, aiming to distinguish Georgia from other jurisdictions.

Existing Industry Presence

Georgia has already established itself as a significant technology and engineering hub for the global gambling software sector. Major operators such as Flutter Entertainment, Betsson, and Entain maintain technology and service centers in Tbilisi. Additionally, homegrown companies like Spribe, SmartSoft, SMH Holdings, and Adjara Group contribute to an industry that generates an estimated 2-3% of Georgia's GDP. Katamadze noted, "The first phase of Georgia’s story was proving we could attract the world’s leading operators. The second is proving we can build the jurisdiction where those businesses choose to expand, innovate and invest."

"We do not want to become the Malta of iGaming; we want to become its Switzerland," Katamadze said, highlighting the focus on high regulatory standards and financial credibility.

Sources: Georgia to reveal its iGaming export regime in August