Ana Dolidze, one of the Strong Georgia coalition leaders, has proposed that the gambling business tax be increased to 25%. She emphasized that the additional revenue would be directed to the state budget, enabling the financing of social programs aimed at promoting a “worthy standard of living.”

Dolidze pointed out that the current contributions from casinos, slot clubs, and online gambling to the Georgian budget are minimal, despite the industry’s annual turnover exceeding GEL 50 billion.

She recalled that in 2019, Georgian citizens gathered 10,000 signatures demanding stricter regulations for casinos. However, she noted that only limited measures have been taken, leaving the issue largely unaddressed.

Dolidze remarked that “rather than prioritizing the establishment of factories, businesses, and startups to create jobs, as advocated by Bidzina Ivanishvili, the founder of the ruling Georgian Dream party, the gambling industry remains the sole sector that is thriving in Georgia.”

“This growth is occurring at the expense of the well-being and health of our fellow citizens. Therefore, we are committed to continuing our fight against casinos and advocating for the European development and prosperity of our nation,” she asserted.

Ana Dolidze further explained that the proposed tax increase would facilitate initiatives such as raising pensions to GEL 1,000, providing free school meals, and constructing student dormitories.