Georgia, and especially Batumi on the Black Sea coast, has become a sought-after destination for Israelis looking for a nearby, affordable and visa-free casino trip. This page covers everything you need to know before traveling — from the large hotel casinos to entry rules and local currency.
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The flight from Israel to Batumi or Tbilisi takes only about two and a half hours, prices are significantly lower than in Western Europe, and Israeli citizens enjoy visa-free entry for stays of up to a year. The combination of geographic proximity, low cost of living and easy entry rules has made a casino in Batumi — and "casino in Georgia" more broadly — one of the most sought-after short-trip destinations from Israel.
Along Batumi's seaside promenade sit several of the region's largest casinos, integrated into Vegas-style luxury hotels — with halls full of slot machines and tables for blackjack, roulette, baccarat and poker. These casinos typically operate 24 hours a day and are aimed mainly at foreign tourists, since local residents' entry is restricted under Georgian law.
Georgia's capital, Tbilisi, also offers several active casinos in central hotels, mostly around the financial district and main streets. They are smaller than Batumi's but available year-round, and some also include a permanent poker room.
Most of the large casinos in Batumi run poker rooms with cash games across various stake levels, plus scheduled weekend tournaments. Players include tourists from the Middle East, Russia and Turkey. If you'd like to keep your game sharp before a trip, or simply play poker from home with an Israeli community, join the Israeli club on ClubGG and practice with free poker.
Entry to most casinos in Batumi and Tbilisi is free for holders of a foreign passport, subject to presenting a passport at the door. The most common minimum age is 21, though some venues allow entry from 18. Georgian citizens themselves are subject to separate entry restrictions designed to curb local gambling.
The local currency is the Georgian Lari (GEL). ATMs are widely available across Batumi and Tbilisi and allow withdrawals with an Israeli card, usually at a relatively low fee. It's best to exchange a small amount at the airport and the rest at exchange booths in the city, where rates tend to be better. Most large casinos also accept cash in US dollars and euros directly at the cashier.
A short casino trip to Batumi — including flights, hotel and food — costs significantly less than a comparable trip to Cyprus or Italy, thanks to Georgia's low cost of living. The recommended season to visit is May through October, when the Black Sea weather is pleasant and the city's nightlife is at its peak; in winter some hotels operate at partial capacity only.
Georgia is considered a relatively safe destination for tourists, but as with any casino, it's best to set a budget in advance and stick to it — see our guide to responsible gambling. It's also worth checking each casino's dress code (usually smart casual) and keeping a digital copy of your passport. If you'd like to compare other nearby casino destinations from Israel, see our casino page.
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