The de facto head of the Russian-controlled Gali district in the western part of Georgia, has announced the opening of a gambling space for “tourists” who mainly come from Russia and noted that visiting the location would be limited for locals. 

“We are talking about the village Gudava with a small population, which is located 35 kilometers from the district center, near the sea area.I am voicing the idea of opening a casino for the first time and I might deserve criticism, although I think it is necessary and important for the tourism sector," Gali de facto governor Konstantine Pilia said earlier this week. 

He also claimed the presence of an investor, who as he said  was ready to implement the initiative and adde the de facto government  was waiting for the “public reaction” on the matter.

Russia declared Georgia’s Abkhazia and Tskhinvali (South Ossetia) regions as independent republics following the Russia-Georgia 2008 conflict. 

Only Venezuela, Nikaragua, Nauru and Syria have joined the recognition so far, while the rest of the international community is unanimous that the regions, comprising 20 percent of the country’s territory, are occupied by Russia.