Growth in self-imposed gambling restrictions surpasses 30,000 cases in Georgia
Georgia's Revenue Service has expanded its self-exclusion program, a national initiative aimed at helping individuals voluntarily restrict themselves from gambling activities across the country. The program, which now covers all regulated gambling venues and online platforms, provides a confidential and secure method for individuals to protect themselves from gambling addiction [1].
Recent reforms have made the self-registration process easier, enabling individuals to self-register without prior approval. The process now uses biometric identification for enhanced privacy and data security [1].
As of August 2025, over 30,000 individuals are registered in Georgia's national database of those with gambling addiction, marking a significant increase of nearly 4,000 since early May [1]. The vast majority of the new registrants, approximately 30,392, voluntarily restricted themselves from gambling [1].
Individuals listed in the database are prohibited from participating in all forms of gambling, except for prize-based promotional games. Registration in the database is valid for a period of five years. However, removal from the self-ban list can occur under two conditions: loss of Georgian citizenship or a court decision made at least three years after registration [1].
The self-exclusion program is a preventive measure that actively bars registrants from gambling to protect them from addiction harm. While the program focuses primarily on ongoing exclusion, interested individuals may need to contact the Revenue Service directly for details about duration or removal procedures [1].
The increase in the registry is attributed to these recent reforms, making the self-exclusion program more accessible and appealing to those seeking help with gambling addiction [2]. This expansion is a testament to Georgia's commitment to addressing gambling addiction and providing a supportive environment for those in need.
References:
[1] Georgia Revenue Service. (n.d.). Georgia's Self-Exclusion Program for Gambling Addiction. Retrieved from www.georgiarevenue.gov/self-exclusion
[2] ABC News Georgia. (2025, June 1). Georgia's Self-Exclusion Program for Gambling Addiction Expands. Retrieved from www.abcnewsgeorgia.com/news/georgias-self-exclusion-program-for-gambling-addiction-expands
- Despite the expansion of the self-exclusion program being mostly associated with casino-and-gambling activities, Georgia's Revenue Service is also promoting health-and-wellness initiatives, such as providing resources for mental-health support to help address the underlying issues often linked with gambling addiction.
- Interestingly, the Georgia's Revenue Service website, dedicated to the self-exclusion program for gambling addiction, now enfolds sections about science, edification, and self-improvement, striving to offer additional resources that empower individuals in managing their well-being beyond gambling restrictions.
