Armenia Introduces Major New Restrictions on Online Casino Activity

Armenia has approved one of its most far‑reaching regulatory overhauls to date, passing a new package of reforms designed to curb excessive gambling, strengthen player protection, and tighten oversight of the country’s rapidly expanding online gaming sector.

The National Assembly adopted the amendments to the Law on the Regulation of Gambling Activities on 17 June 2026, marking the second and final reading of a reform package driven by growing concern over the explosive rise of online betting in Armenia.

A Market That Grew 35‑Fold in Eight Years

According to MP Hayk Sargsyan, who introduced the legislation, online gambling volumes in Armenia have surged more than 35 times since 2017. Annual betting turnover jumped from 0.2 trillion drams (US$520M) in 2017 to 7.4 trillion drams (US$19.2B) in 2025.

Lawmakers argue that this rapid expansion has created significant social risks, including rising addiction rates, financial hardship, and increased vulnerability among at‑risk groups.

Mandatory Self‑Exclusion Across All Platforms

A central pillar of the reform is the introduction of a mandatory, cross‑platform self‑exclusion system.

Key requirements include:

• A clearly visible self‑blocking button on all online casino websites and mobile apps
• A five‑year mandatory exclusion for anyone who activates the self‑block
• Automatic extension for an additional five years unless the player requests removal before expiry
• A unified system preventing self‑excluded individuals from simply switching to another operator

This marks one of the strictest self‑exclusion frameworks in the region.

Restrictions for Financially Vulnerable Groups

The legislation also introduces targeted protections for individuals considered at higher risk of gambling‑related harm. Under the new rules, the following groups will be prohibited from participating in online gambling:

• Recipients of social benefits
• Individuals whose primary income is a state pension
• Persons undergoing bankruptcy proceedings
• Participants in government‑funded or co‑funded subsidy programmes

Additionally, a new affordability cap will limit online gambling activity to 20% of a player’s annual declared income, creating a direct link between financial capacity and betting limits.

Implementation Timeline: 1 January 2027

The new regulatory framework is scheduled to take effect on 1 January 2027. Ahead of implementation, Armenian authorities will appoint a dedicated gaming operator responsible for administering and enforcing the system. The selection process is expected to take place in mid‑2027.

A Significant Shift in Armenia’s Regulatory Approach

These reforms represent one of the most comprehensive updates to Armenia’s online gambling laws in recent years. By prioritising harm prevention, affordability controls, and cross‑platform exclusion, the government aims to address the social risks associated with rapid digital gambling growth.

For operators, the new framework signals a clear shift toward stricter compliance expectations, enhanced oversight, and a regulatory environment increasingly aligned with European responsible‑gaming standards.