In Armenia, plans are underway to significantly restrict citizens' access to online casinos. A package of amendments to the legislation on gambling activities is being considered in parliament, but its finalization has been postponed for now. The initiative aims to strengthen control over the online gambling market and reduce the social burden associated with gambling addiction.
According to MP Hayk Sargsyan, the volume of bets in online casinos has increased more than 35 times in eight years – from 0.2 trillion to 7.4 trillion drams. He stated that the round-the-clock availability of such platforms exacerbates the problem of addiction, leading to an increase in debts and a deterioration in the financial situation of citizens.
Among the proposed measures are a mandatory self-blocking button on platforms, a ban on participation in games for five years without the possibility of early removal, as well as restrictions for recipients of social benefits and pensioners. Additionally, it is planned to introduce a limit on gambling expenses within 20% of declared income. The launch of the new rules is scheduled for 2027 after the implementation of the gaming operator system.