Irakli Kobakhidze on international gambling tournaments: I was not informed about the matter at all; the change is so insignificant in its content – no special change is being introduced and a broad discussion was not needed

No special change is being introduced. A broad discussion was not needed on this issue. I was not informed about the matter at all; the change is so insignificant in its content, – this is how Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze responds to the fact that Parliament considered under accelerated procedure and approved in the third reading a package of legislative amendments, as a result of which international gambling tournaments will be held in Georgia.

According to the Prime Minister, this draft law actually has initiators and not lobbyists.

“This draft law does not introduce any special novelty. We are talking about specific types of tournaments, for example, a poker tournament that is broadcast on international sports channels. Here we are talking about the introduction of specific tax regulations. No special change is being introduced. A broad discussion was not needed on this issue. I was not informed about the matter at all; the change is so insignificant in its content. Lobbyists may exist for every law. If large money can come in somewhere, it will ultimately enter the state budget.

As for lobbyists, this draft law actually has initiators and not lobbyists. This is not any substantial change; even I did not know about this draft law. I learned about it after it was initiated, then statements were made. This is not a draft law of special importance; it does not introduce any special change into the existing regulations,” the Prime Minister noted.

For reference, Parliament considered under accelerated procedure and approved in the third reading a package of legislative amendments, as a result of which international gambling tournaments will be held in Georgia. The initiative was presented by “Georgian Dream” MPs and, according to the voting results, was adopted in the final reading with 73 in favor and 5 against. Two plenary sessions were devoted to the consideration and approval of the draft.