Under the “Law of Georgia on Advertising,” the distribution of advertising relating to gambling, sportsbooks, lotteries, bingo, and their respective organizers is prohibited by any form or means, including through electronic communication networks. This applies to all media channels, all formats, and all communication technologies.
Permitted Exceptions
The law carves out four narrowly defined exceptions under which gambling advertising may lawfully be disseminated.
Licensed Online Platforms
Gambling advertising may be placed on websites where online casino games, slot machine games, and sportsbook games are officially authorized.
Sports Sponsorship
Gambling advertising is permitted at sports events, competitions, or sports organization premises as a condition of sponsorship. Such advertising must be visual only, confined to the inner perimeter of the venue, and may appear on banners or player uniforms.
On-Premises Visual Advertising
Visual advertising may be placed on premises where gambling activities are lawfully organized, provided the total area does not exceed 10 square metres and there is only one such advertisement per premises.
International Transit Points
Gambling advertising may be placed at airports open to international traffic and at border-customs checkpoints, acknowledging Georgia’s role as a regional hub for gambling tourism.
Signage and Promotional Giveaways
Georgian law treats signage as legally distinct from advertising. Each gambling operator may place no more than one sign, not exceeding 10 square meters. Unlike advertising, which is subject to a blanket ban, the signage provision permits each gambling operator to place one sign not exceeding 10 square meters on the perimeter of the gambling venue, serving an identification or informational function rather than a promotional one.
Enforcement and Outlook
The Revenue Service of Georgia is primarily responsible for issuing permits, supervising compliance, and enforcing these obligations. Under the “Administrative Offences Code of Georgia,” violations may result in administrative fines, suspension or revocation of permits, and other enforcement actions, with fines generally ranging from GEL 10, 000 to GEL 20,000. Despite these restrictions, operators can still promote their services within the permitted framework, and the advertising ban does not appear to have materially hampered market growth.