Armenia Moves to Block Illegal Online Betting Through Telecom Bans

Armenia is preparing new rules to tighten control over online gambling, with measures that will directly target websites run by unlicensed operators.

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The State Revenue Committee announced that from February 8, 2027, amendments to the Law “On Regulation of Gaming Activities” will take effect, revising how authorities block gambling and lottery sites that do not hold Armenian licenses.

According to local news outlet ArmenPress, the new system will rely on telecommunications operators to restrict access, making technical blocking more effective than before. Advertising by companies without Armenian licenses will also be curbed, ensuring that unlicensed providers cannot freely promote their services.

Officials stressed that the measures are not aimed at legal operators. Instead, they are meant to strengthen the licensing framework, protect the regulated market, and guarantee fair competition. 

Armenia’s gambling overhaul continues

Armenia’s gambling sector has been reshaped in stages over the past two years, with reforms extending beyond simple oversight. The overhaul began when parliament adopted a new framework in June 2024, which came into force on January 1, 2025.

Since then, lawmakers have steadily added new layers of regulation, including the creation of a single digital system to monitor gambling activity. This centralised platform links all licensed operators, both online and land‑based, and provides real‑time data on wagers, deposits and losses.

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The SRC selected Malta‑based RegTech firm Random Systems International through an open tender to manage the system under a 15‑year licence.

Further reforms followed in June 2026, when parliament passed sweeping amendments to tighten controls on online casinos. These measures introduced mandatory self‑exclusion tools, requiring every licensed operator to display a visible self‑blocking button on websites and apps.

Once activated, players are locked out of online casino services for five years, with automatic renewal unless they formally request removal.

The legislation also targeted vulnerable groups. People receiving social assistance, those dependent on pensions, individuals in bankruptcy, and participants in state‑funded programs are now barred from online gambling. In addition, a personal income cap was introduced, limiting gambling activity to no more than 20% of a player’s declared annual income.

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