Casinos in Tbilisi: where they are and the rules

Tbilisi is, after Batumi, the second centre of legal gambling in Georgia. The casinos here operate inside hotels and in the city centre, and the people who go to them are mostly foreign visitors. This article isn’t an advert for any venue, but a calm look at how the capital’s casinos work and what a visitor should know.

18+. Gambling is adult entertainment that carries the risk of losing money. It is not a way to earn. Only play with money you are prepared to lose, and set yourself limits in advance.

Where the casinos are in Tbilisi

There’s no separate “gambling district” in Tbilisi — the casinos operate inside hotels and in standalone buildings, many of them downtown, near the river and Rustaveli Avenue. Well-known addresses include Shangri La, as well as casinos at major hotels such as the Biltmore and Ambassadori. Specific hours, dress codes and conditions differ from venue to venue.

Age and entry rules

The rules in Tbilisi are the same as across Georgia. Following the 2022 reform, different age thresholds apply: foreigners and stateless persons may play from 18, while Georgian citizens and residents only from 25. The same reform barred socially vulnerable citizens, civil servants and anyone who had entered themselves into the self-exclusion register from gambling, and restricted gambling advertising. For a visitor the rule is simple: bring your passport — ID and age are checked at the door.

Responsible gambling

Treat a casino as a one-off bit of fun, not a source of income. Decide on a budget for the evening in advance and don’t top it up as you go, don’t try to “win back”, don’t gamble with borrowed money and take breaks. Georgia has a state self-exclusion register through which you can voluntarily block your own access to gambling. If gambling stops being entertainment, that’s a reason to stop and seek help.

For the overall picture — legality, age, online play — see our casino guide for Georgia. For a similar look at the seaside resort, see our piece on casinos in Batumi; for more on the capital, our Tbilisi guide; and for other ideas, the entertainment section.