Georgia’s Ministry of Finance shuts down unlicensed online gaming operation in Batumi

Officers from the Investigation Service of the Ministry of Finance of Georgia have uncovered an unlicensed business operation in Batumi.

According to the Investigation Service, one individual has been detained, while criminal proceedings have been initiated against a second suspect in absentia.

“Operational search and investigative activities revealed that the defendants were operating a disguised online gaming venue. From this location, live gambling streams were broadcast over the internet to foreign online casino websites without the required regulatory permits.

Had the facility operated legally, a licensing fee of 100,000 GEL would have been payable to the state budget.

An intensive investigation is currently underway to identify other individuals involved in this criminal activity.

The case is being investigated under Article 192, Part 2, Sub-paragraph ‘a’ of the Criminal Code of Georgia, which carries a prison sentence of three to five years,” the Investigation Service statement read.