Stricter regulations on online gambling business come into force today, March 1, gambling advertising banned.

According to the Prime Minister, the introduction of the ban on gambling advertising in Georgia starting today will deal with “one of the biggest problems” of the country’s population.

Irakli Garibashvili said “lots of people - minors, young, vulnerable people” were addicted to online gambling, with up to one million citizens affected by the ban.

In addition to the restriction on ads, citizens under the age of 25, socially vulnerable persons, and public officials will no longer be able to use gambling websites, Prime Minister said.

He cited GEL 1.5 billion spent by citizens annually in online casinos in his announcement, adding the ban was now also placed on payments to gambling businesses abroad.