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Gambling and online casinos in Armenia
Armenia is one of the most developed countries in the South Caucasus in the field of gambling.
Here, gambling is completely legal and regulated by the state, and a transparent licensing system makes the country attractive to both local and international operators.
The Armenian gambling model is a balance between strict control, protection of players and freedom of business.
Historical background
After the collapse of the USSR, Armenia was one of the first to legalize gambling.
By 2000, there were dozens of casinos, gambling halls and bookmakers in the country.
Since 2018, with the advent of the new government, the stage of modernization and digitalization of the industry has begun: a modern regulator has been created and laws regulating online gambling have been adopted.
Today Armenia is considered a regional iGaming hub, comparable to Georgia and Malta in terms of regulation.
Legislative framework
Main documents:1. The Law of the Republic of Armenia "On Gambling and Casinos" (2003, amended 2022) - regulates the activities of casinos, slot machine halls and online gambling.
2. Tax Code of the Republic of Armenia (Section XI) - sets taxes for operators and players.
3. Government Decree No. 1223 (2019) - defines the procedure for licensing online casinos and bookmakers.
4. Law "On Advertising" (2022) - restricts the promotion of gambling outside specialized platforms.
Key points:- gambling is licensed;
- regulatory body - Gaming Commission; land-based casinos are only allowed in four zones:
- Tsakhkadzor
- Jermuk
- Sevan
- Meghri
- online gambling is regulated separately, licenses are issued for 5 years;
- the age of the players is from 21 years;
- advertising is only allowed at night and in limited formats.
- Vbet (Vivaro Gaming) is the country's largest iGaming company known in Europe;
- Adjarabet. am is a subsidiary of Georgian holding company Flutter Entertainment;
- Totogaming - a local operator with an international presence;
- BetConstruct is a leading provider of iGaming platforms and white labels;
- GoodWin, FastPay, GG Poker - licensed brands with foreign capital.
- mandatory system of self-exclusion and "black lists";
- limiting deposits and session time;
- Dependency risk alerts across sites
- financing assistance programs through the Responsible Gaming Armenia Foundation.
- Tsakhkadzor is a ski resort aimed at VIP clients;
- Jermuk - tourist area with health casino hotels;
- Sevan is a resort near the lake of the same name, popular with foreigners;
- Meghri is the southern zone on the border with Iran, a promising cluster for transit tourism.
Online gambling
Online casinos and betting platforms in Armenia are actively developing and bring the main income to the industry.
The country was one of the first in the CIS to introduce unified state monitoring of rates and payments, providing transparency for tax authorities.
Licensed online operators:All these operators work under the supervision of the Commission, use certified software and verify players (KYC).
Taxation
Armenia has implemented one of the most flexible tax systems in the region to support the gambling business.
According to the Ministry of Finance of Armenia, in 2024 the total market turnover amounted to more than $4.2 billion, and tax revenues exceeded 60 billion drams (~ $150 million).
Fighting illegal sites
The regulator is actively fighting offshore platforms that do not have an Armenian license.
Since 2021, more than 1,500 sites have been blocked, including international mirrors 1xBet, Stake and Mostbet.
Providers are required to filter IP and redirect users to licensed resources.
Bank transfers to illegal sites are blocked automatically.
At the same time, the authorities support international cooperation - Armenia is a member of the European Association of Gambling Regulators (GREF).
Social Responsibility and Responsible Gaming
Armenia pays great attention to the protection of players:In addition, from 2022, the participation of military personnel and civil servants in gambling is prohibited.
Economic and technological importance
The gambling industry of Armenia is not only a casino, but also a high-tech sector.
More than 50 companies are developing software, frameworks and APIs for iGaming, which makes the country a regional center for the development of gambling technologies.
The largest player is BetConstruct, whose platforms are used around the world.
Startups in the field of live-casino, VR gaming and e-sports betting are also actively developing.
Geographic gambling zones
Land casinos can only operate in designated areas:Prospects
Armenia plans to strengthen the status of the regional center of iGaming.
The following is planned for 2025-2030:1. Expanding the export of BetConstruct and Vbet technologies;
2. Creation of the "Digital Gambling Zone" in Yerevan;
3. Attracting foreign investment in eGaming and eSports;
4. Development of licensing cooperation with Malta and Curaçao.
According to government forecasts, by 2030 the total industry turnover may exceed $7 billion, and tax revenues - $250 million per year.
Armenia is an example of how gambling can be successfully integrated into the legal economy.
There is transparent regulation, openness to innovation and a high level of trust in licensed operators.
to a full-fledged center for international online gambling,
where technology, fair play and government control work in a single legal field.
Armenia today is "Caucasian Malta," a symbol of a civilized approach to iGaming and proof that gambling can be legal, profitable and responsible.
