The Georgian Orthodox Church has urged authorities to investigate cases involving minors taking part in events connected to gambling, warning that even “entertaining” participation can cultivate interest and eventually lead to addiction. The statement was published by the press service of the Georgian Patriarchate on social media.

The call came after reports of activities in different cities where children were allegedly involved in programs featuring gambling elements. The Patriarchate specifically mentioned an event promoted by the betting company BetLive in Zestafoni. Videos circulating online show programs taking place in front of a broad audience and reportedly include the participation of underage children.

In its statement, the Church emphasized that gambling addiction remains a serious social problem and that overcoming it often requires long-term psychological and medical support.

“Involving minors in such events is a way of popularizing gambling and forming interest in it among children,” the Patriarchate said.

The Church urged the state to give the issue maximum attention: to verify the reported cases, and to apply the administrative and legal mechanisms available under the law. It also appealed directly to parents, urging them to monitor carefully what kinds of events their children attend.

The Patriarchate added that any attempt to encourage minors toward gambling can have serious consequences not only for the child, but also for the child’s family and society as a whole.

“By its very nature, involving minors in gambling is a crime against the future generation,” the Church said.

The statement concluded by saying the Patriarchate intends to continue responding to such cases, stating it is prepared to use existing tools to prevent practices it considers threatening to the health and well-being of the younger generation.