Office No. 18, 9.17 Capital Tower, 91 Waterloo Road, London, SE1 8RT
Mon - Fri: 10.00 - 19.00 GTM+2
AM

Is Gambling Legal in Armenia?

Regulated
Gambling is legal and regulated, with recent tax hikes and new licensing quotas; new regulatory bodies are being established.

Key Information

Last Update 2025
Regulatory Authority Ministry of Finance (transitioning to new regulators: Gaming Sector Monitor and Gaming Operator Institute)
License Cost Varies

Regulation by Activity Type

Casinos Regulated
Online Casinos Regulated
Betting Regulated
Online Betting Regulated
Lotteries Regulated
Poker Regulated

Highlights

  • Armenia doubled online casino and bookmaker tax rates in April 2025, with further annual increases planned.
  • A 10% turnover tax on all gambling activities, including online and land-based, takes effect from July 2025.
  • Licence fees for casinos and betting operators doubled in April 2025, with further multipliers scheduled through 2028.
  • A quota system for gambling licences was introduced to prevent market distortions and limit the number of operators.
  • Gambling winnings above AMD 5 million are subject to taxation, as introduced in 2024.
  • Two new regulatory bodies, the Gaming Sector Monitor and Gaming Operator Institute, are being established to oversee the industry.
  • Operators face extra payments if betting volumes exceed specific thresholds, adding progressive financial obligations.

Legislation

Primary Legislation

The legal framework governing gambling in Armenia is established by several key legislative acts. The core law is the Law of the Republic of Armenia "On Games of Chance and Casinos," which provides the fundamental legal basis for all forms of gambling activities, including land-based and online casinos, betting, lotteries, and totalizators. This law outlines the definitions, permitted types of gambling, and the general legal environment for the sector. Additionally, gambling activities are subject to the Law of the Republic of Armenia "On Lotteries," which regulates the organization and operation of lotteries, and the Law "On Licensing," which sets out the general principles and requirements for obtaining licenses across various regulated sectors, including gambling. The Armenian Criminal Code and Administrative Offences Code also contain provisions relevant to illegal gambling activities and enforcement. Recent legislative amendments have introduced significant changes, including increased regulatory oversight and the establishment of new regulatory authorities. These changes are reflected in amendments to the primary gambling laws and related government decrees, particularly following reforms approved by the National Assembly in 2025.

Regulatory Authority

Oversight and regulation of gambling in Armenia are the responsibility of state authorities designated by law. Historically, the Ministry of Finance has served as the principal regulatory body, responsible for monitoring compliance, issuing licenses, and enforcing gambling legislation. However, recent legislative reforms have mandated the creation of new specialized regulatory bodies to enhance sector oversight.
  • The Gaming Sector Monitor: A newly established authority tasked with supervising and monitoring all gambling activities, ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory standards.
  • The Gaming Operator Institute: A new body responsible for overseeing operator conduct, implementing regulatory requirements, and supporting the development of responsible gaming initiatives.
  • Transitional oversight remains with the Ministry of Finance until the new authorities are fully operational and assume their regulatory functions.

License Types

Types of Gambling Licenses in Armenia

  • Land-based Casino License: Required for the operation of physical casino establishments within Armenia.
  • Online Casino License: Mandatory for operators offering online casino games to Armenian players.
  • Bookmaker License: Needed for both land-based and online sports betting operations.
  • Lottery License: Issued to operators running lottery games, either physically or online.
  • Totalizator License: For operators running pari-mutuel betting (totalizator) activities.

Application Process and Duration

  • Applications must be submitted to the designated government authority. As of early 2025, a new dedicated gambling regulatory body is being planned to oversee licensing, but currently, applications are handled by relevant state departments.
  • Applicants must provide detailed business plans, proof of financial stability, information on beneficial owners, and technical documentation for gaming systems.
  • Background checks on key personnel and owners are standard, focusing on integrity and the absence of criminal records.
  • The review period varies but is typically several weeks to a few months, depending on the complexity of the application and completeness of documentation.
  • Licenses are generally issued for a fixed term, commonly one year, with annual renewal required.

Renewal Conditions and Eligibility

  • License renewal is contingent upon continued compliance with regulatory requirements, payment of all relevant fees, and demonstration of ongoing financial stability.
  • Operators must maintain up-to-date records and submit regular reports to the regulator.
  • Renewal applications are typically reviewed with similar scrutiny as initial applications, focusing on compliance history and operational integrity.

Licensing Costs, Fees, and Financial Requirements

  • As of April 1, 2025, licensing fees for online gambling and sports betting operators have doubled, with a commitment to further annual increases until the establishment of the new regulatory authority.
  • The exact fee amounts depend on the type of license and the scale of operations, with substantial increases for online casinos and bookmakers.
  • Operators are required to demonstrate significant financial reserves or guarantees to ensure player protection and operational stability.
  • Fees are payable annually and must be settled before the issuance or renewal of any license.

Key Requirements for Obtaining and Maintaining Licenses

  • Applicants must be legal entities registered in Armenia or meet specific local incorporation requirements.
  • Comprehensive due diligence is performed on shareholders, directors, and key staff to ensure suitability and prevent criminal influence.
  • Operators must implement robust anti-money laundering (AML) and responsible gambling measures as part of their compliance obligations.
  • Technical systems, including gaming software and player protection mechanisms, must be certified and regularly audited.
  • Ongoing reporting and cooperation with the regulator are mandatory, including the provision of financial statements and operational data.

Summary Table: Licensing Overview

License Type Application Authority Duration Renewal Key Financial Requirements
Land-based Casino State Department / Future Regulator 1 year Annual Annual fee, financial guarantees
Online Casino State Department / Future Regulator 1 year Annual Increased annual fee, financial reserves
Bookmaker State Department / Future Regulator 1 year Annual Increased annual fee, financial reserves
Lottery State Department / Future Regulator 1 year Annual Annual fee, financial guarantees
Totalizator State Department / Future Regulator 1 year Annual Annual fee, financial guarantees
 

Gambling Tax

Tax Rates for Gambling Operators in Armenia

Armenia has recently enacted significant changes to its gambling taxation system, with new rates and structures coming into force in 2025.
  • From April 1, 2025, tax rates on gambling operators are doubled:
Type of Gambling Operation Tax Rate (per bet/turnover) Previous Rate Effective Date
Online Casinos 0.35% of turnover 0.175% April 1, 2025
Bookmakers 0.2% of turnover 0.1% April 1, 2025
  • From July 1, 2025, a 10% turnover tax will apply to all gambling activities, including casinos, online games, sports betting, lotteries, and totalizers.

Basis for Taxation

  • Taxation is primarily based on turnover (the total amount wagered).
  • The 0.35% and 0.2% rates apply to each bet placed with online casinos and bookmakers, respectively, until the 10% turnover tax comes into force.
  • From July 2025, the 10% turnover tax will become the main basis for gambling taxation.

Tax Reporting and Payment Requirements

  • Operators are required to calculate taxes based on their total turnover for the reporting period.
  • Tax payments must be made in accordance with the deadlines set by Armenian tax authorities, typically on a monthly basis.
  • Operators must submit detailed tax reports, including records of all bets and turnover, to the relevant tax authority.
  • Additional annual licence fees are imposed, with amounts increasing annually until new regulatory bodies are established.

Licence Fees and Annual Increases

Year Casino Licence Fee (AMD) Bookmaker Licence Fee (AMD)
2024 175 million 50 million
2025 350 million 100 million
2026 1.05 billion 300 million
2027 1.4 billion 400 million
2028 1.75 billion 500 million
  • Licence fees are subject to multipliers each year (3x in 2026, 4x in 2027, 5x in 2028), resulting in significant increases.
  • Operators exceeding certain turnover thresholds must make additional payments.

Tax Incentives, Exemptions, and Special Provisions

  • No explicit tax incentives or exemptions for gambling operators have been announced as part of the 2025 reforms.
  • Additional payments are required if operators surpass specific turnover thresholds (e.g., online casinos exceeding AMD 100 billion in bets, or betting operators exceeding AMD 50 billion).
  • The government may adjust these provisions as new regulatory bodies become operational.

Prohibited Individuals

Age Restrictions and Identification Requirements

  • The minimum legal age for participation in any form of gambling in Armenia is 21 years. Operators are required to verify the age and identity of all players before allowing access to gambling services.
  • Identification checks are mandatory both for land-based and online gambling. Players must provide valid identification documents to confirm their age and identity prior to registration and when making significant transactions.

Prohibited Activities and Game Restrictions

  • Specific types of gambling activities, such as unlicensed games of chance and unauthorized betting operations, are strictly prohibited.
  • There are restrictions on the operation of gambling venues and online platforms that do not hold a valid Armenian license.
  • Gambling activities targeting minors or vulnerable groups are expressly forbidden.
  • Lotteries and gambling games that are not explicitly authorized by Armenian regulation are not permitted.

Advertising and Marketing Limitations

  • Since 2022, there has been a comprehensive ban on public advertisements for gambling and lotteries. This includes television, radio, outdoor, and online advertising accessible to the general public.
  • Operators are prohibited from using advertising techniques that target minors, vulnerable persons, or promote gambling as a means of financial improvement.
  • Further restrictions are set to be implemented, tightening the regulation of promotional activities and sponsorships related to gambling.
  • Marketing communications must not mislead consumers about the risks of gambling or exaggerate the chances of winning.

Responsible Gambling and Player Protection Measures

  • Operators are required to implement responsible gambling policies, including providing information about the risks of gambling and offering tools for self-exclusion and setting deposit or loss limits.
  • There are mandatory procedures for identifying and assisting problem gamblers, including the provision of helplines and support resources.
  • Operators must ensure that all gambling platforms display clear warnings about the potential harms of gambling and provide easy access to responsible gambling resources.
  • Special measures are in place to monitor and restrict the participation of individuals who have self-excluded or have been identified as at risk of gambling harm.

Geographic and Location Restrictions

  • Land-based gambling venues are subject to geographic restrictions and can only operate in designated areas approved by the authorities.
  • Casinos and gaming halls are typically located in specific zones outside of densely populated residential areas and away from educational institutions or places frequented by minors.
  • Online gambling operators must ensure that their services are not accessible from jurisdictions where gambling is prohibited or to individuals located in restricted areas within Armenia.

Timeline

Year/Date Event
1995 Armenia adopts its first Gambling Act, establishing the initial legal framework for gambling activities.
2000 Significant amendments are made to the gambling legislation, introducing stricter licensing and operational requirements.
2016 Comprehensive regulatory reforms are enacted, addressing online gambling and strengthening oversight of both land-based and online operators.
2024 Taxes are introduced on gambling winnings above AMD 5 million; the government proposes increased licence fees and a quota system for licences, and announces plans to establish two new regulatory bodies: the Gaming Sector Monitor and the Gaming Operator Institute.
April 2025 Parliament approves a doubling of tax rates and licence fees for online casinos and bookmakers, with a commitment to further annual increases until new regulators are operational.
July 2025 A new tax code comes into force, introducing a 10% turnover tax on all gambling activities, including casinos, online games, sports betting, and lotteries.
January 2026 Annual multiplier increases for licence fees begin, with a 3.0 multiplier applied to casino and betting operator fees, continuing in subsequent years.

Requirements

Software Certification and Technical Standards

  • Gambling operators must use software that is certified by recognized testing laboratories to ensure fairness, randomness, and integrity of games.
  • Technical systems, including random number generators (RNGs), must comply with established standards for reliability and security.
  • Operators are required to implement robust technical controls to prevent unauthorized access, manipulation, or tampering with gaming software.
  • Gaming platforms must support secure transaction processing and maintain high system availability to ensure uninterrupted service.

Data Protection, Privacy Measures, and Server Location

  • Operators must comply with Armenian data protection laws, ensuring the confidentiality and security of player data.
  • Personal and financial information must be stored using encryption and other industry-standard security measures.
  • Servers hosting gambling operations and player data are typically required to be located within Armenia or in jurisdictions approved by Armenian authorities to facilitate regulatory oversight.
  • Access to sensitive data must be restricted to authorized personnel, with regular audits to monitor compliance.

Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) Procedures

  • Operators are obligated to implement comprehensive AML programs, including risk assessment, transaction monitoring, and reporting of suspicious activities.
  • KYC procedures must be in place to verify the identity, age, and source of funds of all players before allowing participation in gambling activities.
  • Operators must maintain records of customer identification and verification for a specified period, as required by Armenian law.
  • Enhanced due diligence is required for high-risk customers or transactions that exceed certain thresholds.

Financial Reporting, Auditing Standards, and Record-Keeping

  • Operators must maintain accurate and up-to-date financial records, including details of all transactions, bets, payouts, and customer accounts.
  • Regular independent audits of financial statements and gaming systems are required to ensure transparency and compliance with regulatory standards.
  • Operators must submit periodic financial and operational reports to Armenian regulatory authorities in prescribed formats.
  • All records must be securely stored and made available for inspection by regulators for a legally defined retention period.

Technical Implementation Requirements for Responsible Gambling Tools

  • Operators are required to integrate responsible gambling features into their platforms, such as deposit limits, self-exclusion options, and reality checks.
  • Technical systems must provide players with access to their gambling history and enable the setting of personal limits on spending or play time.
  • Automated systems should be in place to detect and intervene in cases of problematic gambling behavior, including the ability to suspend or restrict accounts as necessary.
  • Information on responsible gambling resources and support services must be prominently displayed and easily accessible on all gaming platforms.

Sources

Primary Regulatory Authorities

Legislation Resources

Contact Information

  • Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Armenia 1 Melik-Adamyan St., Yerevan 0010, Armenia Phone: +374 11 59 70 00 Email: info@minfin.am
Poland Egypt

Important Information Notice

Gambling regulations are subject to change. The information provided on this page was accurate at the time of publication, but may not reflect the current regulatory landscape. Always consult official sources for the most up-to-date information before making any gambling-related decisions.

Last updated: 22 April 2025