In Armenia, significant steps are being taken to regulate unauthorized online gambling activities. On May 21, 2026, the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Economic Affairs proposed new measures aimed at curbing the shadow betting market. This initiative is crucial as it seeks to strengthen regulatory oversight and ensure market integrity by targeting not only the operators but also the infrastructure that facilitates these illicit activities.
The newly proposed measures would require internet service providers in Armenia to block access to unlicensed wagering platforms. Additionally, commercial banks would be mandated to monitor and halt financial transactions linked to unauthorized gambling activities. This regulatory shift is intended to cripple the financial networks that sustain these operators rather than pursuing individual gamblers. Banks will use specific merchant category codes to identify and block questionable transactions, adding a layer of scrutiny to financial dealings related to gambling.
Moreover, the proposed legislation introduces strict advertising restrictions. Promotions for unlicensed gambling platforms are set to be banned entirely across the country’s digital platforms. Even licensed operators would face increased scrutiny, with their advertisements needing electronic pre-approval from regulatory authorities. Any promotional material that fails to meet legal standards or is deemed misleading will be prohibited, adding a compliance burden for legal operators to navigate the regulatory landscape.
This initiative is spearheaded by the State Revenue Committee, with Deputy Chairman Rafael Gevorkyan presenting these updates to lawmakers. If the amendments are approved by parliament, the government will have 90 days to implement systems for blocking unauthorized websites and enforcing banking compliance.
In addition to digital enforcement, physical gambling venues are also affected by the proposed legislation. Domestic players will be required to conduct transactions within land-based casinos through cashless means linked to verified bank accounts. This does not apply to foreign visitors, however, allowing some leeway to maintain tourism revenue. Furthermore, lottery operations would be required to adhere to specific payout ratios, ensuring that at least 50% of ticket sales are returned to winners, potentially impacting the profitability of such games.
These regulatory adjustments follow recent increases in industry taxation, with some levies having been doubled. Despite potential challenges and increased compliance costs for the financial and technological sectors, analysts predict these measures will not significantly impact public revenue streams or necessitate substantial government expenditures.
The proposed legislation is now set for a vote by the full National Assembly. If passed, these changes will mark a significant shift in Armenia’s approach to regulating the gambling market. The upcoming parliamentary decision will be pivotal in determining the future enforcement landscape and its impact on both operators and players within the region.
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