The online casino industry has faced growing scrutiny in recent months, particularly in Europe, where striking employees of Evolution Gaming have taken drastic measures to demand better working conditions. What began as a peaceful protest over wages, harassment, and unsafe environments escalated into a full-blown hunger strike in Tbilisi, Georgia, grabbing the attention of both local and international media. The consequences of this strike have rippled through the online gambling world, even reaching the United States, as Evolution seeks to expand its footprint into Nevada’s lucrative gaming market.
Employee Struggles: Hunger Strike as a Last Resort
The protest started on July 12, 2023, with thousands of employees standing up to Evolution Gaming, one of the biggest names in online gambling software development. Workers, represented by the LABOR union, claim that the company has fostered an environment of low wages and intolerable working conditions. The strike intensified in mid-August when striking workers attempted to block access to the company’s office in Tbilisi. This led to a violent confrontation where security forces, allegedly hired by the company, attacked the protesters. Union leader Giorgi Diasamidze reported that both men and women were injured, with many suffering from bruises and even having difficulty walking afterward. Images of these injuries have circulated widely on social media, amplifying the outcry against the company.
Amidst these chaotic events, several workers, including Mahare Patashuri, resorted to a hunger strike to underline the severity of their grievances. After enduring 28 days without food, Patashuri was hospitalized, stating, “I can’t believe I am still alive.” This dramatic move underscores the desperation many employees feel regarding their treatment at Evolution’s Georgia hub.
Evolution’s Response: Deflecting Responsibility
In response to these allegations, Evolution’s spokesperson Carl Linton issued a statement affirming the company’s commitment to resolving the dispute within the local legal framework. However, Linton also emphasized that the protest’s impact on the company’s operations has forced Evolution to reassess its presence in Georgia, citing illegal blockades as a key reason for this reevaluation. Despite the strikers’ demands, Evolution has remained firm, arguing that the company’s current policies align with Georgian law and accusing the union of illegal actions that have disrupted business operations.
Evolution’s U.S. Expansion Plans in Jeopardy?
While the protests rage on in Georgia, Evolution is reportedly pursuing a license to operate in Nevada, the most valuable gaming market in the United States. Nevada, a state that generated over $15 billion in gambling revenue in 2023, represents a major opportunity for the company. However, the Culinary Workers Union and the Bartenders Union in Las Vegas, which together represent about 60,000 casino workers, have publicly backed the strikers in Georgia. These unions have urged the Nevada Gaming Commission to reject Evolution’s license application if the company does not meet the demands for fair wages and safe working conditions.
Widespread Impact: A Global Business Under Scrutiny
Evolution Gaming operates in several U.S. states and European countries, providing live casino gaming software. The company’s live casino format allows players to experience real-time interaction with dealers through online platforms, a service that has become increasingly popular in recent years, especially following the Covid-19 pandemic. The company has generated massive profits, with a reported $1 billion in earnings in 2023 alone. Despite this financial success, the protests have highlighted the stark contrast between the company’s revenue and the treatment of its workers.
Evolution’s reliance on Tbilisi, where it employs approximately 8,000 people, has raised questions about the company’s labor practices. Workers in Georgia, a country attractive to international firms for its young, highly educated workforce, report earning less than $450 a month—significantly lower than the cost of living in the capital city. Comparatively, employees at land-based casinos in Georgia earn nearly twice as much. This wage disparity, combined with allegations of harassment and unsafe working conditions, has fueled the protests.
The Path Forward: Workers’ Demands and Evolution’s Next Steps
The striking workers in Georgia have outlined specific demands, including overtime pay, improved sanitary conditions, access to an onsite doctor, and a 100% pay increase to match their counterparts in physical casinos. Despite these requests, Evolution maintains that it offers competitive salaries and additional benefits, including health insurance and free gym access. However, workers argue that these benefits do not make up for the severe working conditions, which include strict penalties for minor infractions, such as briefly pausing during live broadcasts.
As the protests continue, the future of Evolution’s operations in Georgia—and potentially the broader online casino industry—remains uncertain. With the Nevada Gaming Control Board considering Evolution’s license application, the outcome of this labor dispute could have far-reaching implications for the company’s global reputation.
