Georgia Gambling Market Hits Record GEL 88.3 Billion Turnover in 2025

The economic landscape in Georgia is increasingly dominated by a single industry: gambling. In 2025, turnover from gambling businesses reached a historic high, jumping to GEL 88.3 billion, which is approximately $33.9 billion. This surge of 15.3 percent from the previous year confirms that demand remains incredibly strong despite various regulatory shifts. Most notably, gambling now accounts for almost the entire arts, entertainment, and recreation category in the country.

It is essential to view these figures within the broader economic context of the nation. The total Georgian business sector reported a turnover of GEL 253.7 billion in 2025. This means that more than one out of every three Lari turned over in the private sector comes directly from betting and gaming activities. However, it is important to clarify that this figure represents the total value of bets placed (turnover) rather than Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR). Nevertheless, the scale for a country of Georgia's size is remarkable, showing a clear trend toward further expansion in 2026.

Numbers and facts

Data published by the National Statistics Office of Georgia (Geostat) shows a steep upward curve. While turnover in 2023 was GEL 64.3 billion, it rose to GEL 76.6 billion in 2024 before hitting the current record. Its significance within the entertainment sector is nearly absolute. Of the total GEL 88.88 billion generated in arts, entertainment, and recreation in 2025, approximately 99.4 percent was attributed to gambling activities. Other cultural or sporting leisure activities play a statistically negligible role compared to the casino business.

Developments in the first half of 2026 suggest this trend is continuing unabated. During the first six months of the year, GEL 47.41 billion was turned over in the entertainment category. Compared to H1 2025 (GEL 41.22 billion), this represents a 15 percent increase. If this pace continues, 2026 could conclude with a total turnover of roughly GEL 94.83 billion. This projection is a straight-line comparison and does not yet account for potential seasonal fluctuations.

Background

Georgia is currently pursuing a dual strategy. On one hand, there are strict rules for the domestic market to increase player protection, while on the other, the country is opening up to international online gambling. A new framework for foreign iGaming now allows local banks to process payments for international operators. This is facilitated by the activation of the Merchant Category Code (MCC) 7995, specifically designed for gambling transactions. This modernization of the payment infrastructure aims to make Georgia more attractive as a regional hub for gambling service providers.

"Georgia’s gambling businesses recorded GEL88.3 billion ($33.9 billion) in turnover in 2025, up 15.3% from a year earlier." - Olga Rekowski, Content writer at 15M

An important point in evaluating the data is the definition of turnover. Geostat clarifies that these figures reflect the total value of bets placed. Since the same money can pass through the betting cycle multiple times, the total should not be confused with actual player deposits or operator profits. Nevertheless, the 34.8 percent share of total business turnover remains a clear signal of the industry's market power.

Why it matters for German players

For players in Germany, these developments in Georgia are primarily interesting as a point of comparison. While Georgia chooses a liberal path focused on economic growth, the German market is strictly regulated by the State Treaty on Gambling 2021 (GlüStV 2021). In Germany, there are strict stake limits of a maximum of 1 Euro per spin on virtual slot games and a cross-provider monthly deposit limit of 1,000 Euros. These measures are monitored by the central LUGAS system to prevent excessive gambling behavior.

Anyone wishing to play safely in Germany should exclusively use offers listed on the whitelist of the Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder (GGL). These casinos guarantee compliance with German standards regarding player protection and data security. Such a rapid increase in turnover as seen in Georgia would be almost inconceivable in the regulated German market due to existing protective mechanisms. However, Georgia demonstrates how digital payment systems and clear licensing can efficiently structure a market, even if the goals there are more focused on fiscal returns.

What it means for GGL-licensed casinos

German operators with a GGL license operate in an environment that prioritizes quality over quantity. While international hubs like Georgia shine through massive volumes, licensed providers in Germany focus on legal certainty. The Georgian market often serves as a technical testing ground for new payment solutions, as seen with the introduction of MCC 7995 for international licenses. Such innovations are always critically reviewed in Germany to ensure they are compatible with strict anti-money laundering and player protection requirements.

For the local industry, monitoring such foreign markets remains important for early identification of technological trends among payment providers. However, German GGL casinos must follow their own path dictated by the strict rules of GlüStV 2021. Player trust here is not won through record turnovers but through reliability and a responsible approach to player protection.