Parliament gives final approval to international gambling tournaments in casinos; Bishop Giorgi voices concern
Parliament passed the Georgian Dream MPs' bill at its third reading, under an expedited procedure, by 73 votes to 5. Casinos will be able to host international gambling tournaments if at least 80% of participants are foreign citizens (70% at first reading). Tables used for tournaments with a prize fund above GEL 3 million are exempt from the gaming-business fee, and foreigners' winnings are tax-exempt. The law awaits the president's signature. The Public Defender and the Lelo party oppose it, and ten civic and public-health groups (including Mothers Against Gambling) have urged Parliament and the government to repeal it. On 29 October Bishop Giorgi (Jamdeliani) of Marneuli and Hujabi warned that expanding gambling could deepen debt and family breakdown.