Armenia’s parliament reviews new gambling amendments to strengthen oversight

Armenia’s parliament is reviewing amendments to strengthen state control over the country’s gambling sector as the government pushes to speed up implementation of reforms adopted in 2024.

The bill, introduced by Rafael Gevorgyan, Deputy Chairman of the State Revenue Committee (SRC), addresses gaps that emerged after last year’s law created a competitive process to appoint a single national gambling monitoring operator.

Under the framework, the selected operator would manage a unified digital platform designed to track gambling operations across Armenia, including land-based casinos and online services. Officials say the system would record every bet in real time, granting the SRC direct access to comprehensive data on betting volumes and revenues.

The government maintains that the platform would improve tax compliance by ensuring reported income aligns with actual activity.

The first proposed amendment seeks to clarify procedures for handling appeals related to the operator selection process. The competitive tender began last year, with the first phase completed and the process now entering its second stage. Supporters argue that clearer rules are necessary to prevent disputes from disrupting the appointment.

The second amendment would introduce changes to the Civil Procedure Code, preventing court actions from suspending or delaying the operator’s appointment. Proponents say the measure is intended to avoid regulatory gaps that could leave the sector without unified oversight. Critics, however, warn that limiting the impact of lawsuits could restrict access to legal remedies.

The issue has sparked debate within parliament. Hayk Sargsyan, a lawmaker from the ruling Civil Contract party, recently criticized delays in implementing the 2024 reforms, referencing an order from the Prime Minister urging state agencies to accelerate progress.

Economic considerations appear central to the government’s push. According to the Blask Index, Armenia’s gambling market is projected to reach approximately $25 million by January 2026, up from $23.8 million in February 2025. While the growth is modest, it reflects steady expansion in the sector.

Parliament recently approved higher gambling tax rates, with some levies doubling. Authorities say increased taxes, combined with improved monitoring, will boost state revenue and enhance transparency.

Beyond fiscal concerns, lawmakers are also weighing social risks. Research indicates that between two and three percent of gamblers in Armenia face addiction-related problems. The rapid expansion of online platforms has intensified these concerns, with the number of players more than doubling between 2018 and 2020.