29 Jul 2026 Marsha Tusk
SPiCE Central Asia 2026 Returns to Tbilisi with Official Support from the Georgian Gambling Association
In just two months, the 3rd annual SPiCE Central Asia 2026 will once again take place at The Biltmore Hotel Tbilisi in Georgia, on 24 – 25 September, with discussions centred on regulatory reform, investment confidence, technological advancement and cross-border cooperation across the region.
Georgia’s location between Europe and Asia, combined with its growing role within the Middle Corridor, makes it an attractive gateway to the Caucasus and Central Asia. The country’s recently proposed online gambling licensing framework, which introduces incentives for operators targeting international players, will be among the topics of interest at the upcoming summit, alongside wider regional developments, including Kazakhstan’s changing licensing environment.
Exclusive Pre-Summit Conversation with George Mamulaishvili of the GGA
Eventus International is pleased to announce that SPiCE Central Asia 2026 has received the official support of the Georgian Gambling Association.
Ahead of the event, George Mamulaishvili, Head of Administration at the association, provided insight into Georgia’s regulatory direction, market opportunities across Central Asia and the Caucasus, and the value of closer collaboration between industry stakeholders.
Addressing the latest developments within Georgia’s gaming industry, George commented:
“Georgia’s gaming market is currently being shaped by digitalisation, mobile-first products, data-driven compliance, stronger responsible gambling standards and an increasing focus on combating illegal offshore operators.
An important recent development is the introduction of Georgia’s new international online gaming permit regime, often referred to commercially as an offshore gaming licence. The new framework allows international online casino, slot and sports betting operations to be licensed from Georgia exclusively for foreign players, while participation by Georgian citizens is prohibited.
This represents an important strategic step for the country. It allows Georgia to use its regulatory experience, technological infrastructure and geographic position to attract international operators, platform providers, compliance specialists, payment companies and other participants in the global iGaming ecosystem.
The future of the Georgian market will therefore depend not only on domestic growth, but also on Georgia’s ability to develop into a credible international licensing, technology and operational hub.”
Expanding the discussion to the broader region, he highlighted the market conditions attracting international attention:
“Central Asia and the Caucasus combine digitally active populations, growing internet penetration, widespread use of mobile payments and strong demand for online entertainment.
Georgia has one of the region’s longest established and most experienced regulated gambling markets. Over many years, the country has developed significant practical knowledge in licensing, taxation, compliance, land-based gaming and online operations.
Georgia has also historically recognised that a properly regulated gaming industry can contribute to economic development through tax revenues, employment, tourism, hospitality, technology, payments, marketing and professional services.”
George also shared his thoughts on the regulatory changes affecting gaming markets across Central Asia and the Caucasus:
“The main regional trend is the transition from prohibition or fragmented oversight towards formal licensing, stronger digital supervision and more structured regulation of online gaming.
In Georgia, the introduction of international online gaming permits is one of the most significant recent developments. The framework creates separate permits for the international organisation of online casino games, slot games and betting, with services directed exclusively at foreign players. This demonstrates the country’s intention to strengthen its position not only as a domestic regulated market, but also as a regional and international iGaming jurisdiction capable of attracting foreign investment and developing technology, compliance and operational expertise.
Across the wider region, regulators are also paying greater attention to player identification, AML and KYC requirements, self-exclusion, advertising restrictions, payment monitoring, technical certification and the blocking of illegal websites.”
On the association’s support for SPiCE Central Asia 2026 and the value such industry platforms provide, he said:
“The Georgian Gambling Association supports SPiCE Central Asia because the event creates an important platform for direct dialogue between regulators, licensed operators, investors, technology providers, payment companies and industry experts.
Georgia is one of the most established gaming markets in the region and has accumulated considerable practical experience in regulation, taxation, compliance, responsible gambling and cooperation between the public and private sectors. At the same time, other countries in Central Asia and the Caucasus are developing new regulatory models and opening their markets to international investment.
A regional platform allows stakeholders to compare practical experience, identify successful regulatory approaches and avoid repeating mistakes already made in other jurisdictions.
SPiCE Central Asia is also important because the region’s main challenges – illegal online gambling, cross-border payments, affiliate traffic, cryptocurrency, AML risks and digital advertising – cannot be solved by one country or one regulator acting alone. Effective solutions require regional dialogue, information exchange and cooperation between governments and the private sector.”
Lastly, George touched on the key points he will cover in his keynote at the summit:
“I will examine how illegal operators attract and retain players through affiliate networks, social media, search engines, messaging platforms, mirror websites, mobile applications, alternative payment methods and cryptocurrencies.
The presentation will focus on practical methods for reducing illegal traffic, including DNS and IP blocking, payment blocking, restrictions on illegal advertising and affiliates, cooperation with banks, payment service providers, app stores, search engines, social media platforms and telecommunications companies, as well as stronger data exchange between regulators.
I will also discuss why website blocking alone is not sufficient. Illegal operators can quickly change domains, payment channels and advertising methods. Effective enforcement therefore requires a coordinated ecosystem combining technology, financial controls, AML and KYC mechanisms, platform accountability, regulatory cooperation and continuous market monitoring.
My central message will be that the most effective way to combat illegal gambling is not only to block illegal operators, but also to maintain a competitive, reliable and well-regulated licensed market that provides players with a credible legal alternative.”
Join Discussions on the Region’s Market Developments & Regulatory Priorities
SPiCE Central Asia 2026 will bring attention to the regulatory changes, market developments and commercial opportunities influencing gaming in Georgia, Kazakhstan and surrounding markets.
Join George Mamulaishvili and other industry specialists, including representatives from prominent operators, legal firms and technology providers, in Tbilisi this September for discussions on the policies, technologies and strategies contributing to the sector’s growth.
Register here: https://www.spiceseries.com/sca
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