Armenia‘s Booming Online Gambling market Faces Addiction Concerns and Advertising Restrictions
Armenia has fostered a small yet dynamic game industry through strategic domestic policies and regional market factors. While casinos are largely confined to areas outside Yerevan, online betting and gaming platforms have experienced consistent growth over the past decade, attracting both domestic and international operators.
Data from the Armenian National Revenue Committee reveals a dramatic surge in gambling revenue.From $1 billion (approximately $920 million) in 2018, sales skyrocketed to nearly $18 billion (approximately €16.6 billion) by 2024. A notable 98% of this activity occurs online,eclipsing revenue from land-based casinos. Currently, the online gambling industry’s revenue exceeds Armenia’s national debt of $12.8 billion (approximately €11.8 billion).[Image:
[Image:Source: Armenian National Tax Committee]Armenia’s favorable environment continues to attract gambling activity from both domestic and foreign operators. According to Statista data, the Armenian online gambling market is projected to generate $2.522 billion in sales in 2025, wiht online sports betting expected to reach approximately $1.18 billion (approximately $1,090 million).
Tho, the rapid growth has brought concerns about gambling addiction to the forefront. Local media reports indicate that Armenians lost around $150 million (approximately €138 million) in 2021. While the precise prevalence of problem gambling is difficult to ascertain, these substantial financial losses suggest a significant number of individuals may be negatively impacted.
Request for Ban on Gambling Advertising
In response to growing concerns about addiction, the Armenian government is revisiting legislative measures to curb online gambling advertising. Lawmakers from the ruling party have renewed efforts to restrict such promotions.
On May 7,2025,Representative Narek Ghahramanyan of the Citizens’ Contract Party introduced a bill to prohibit gambling advertisements in hotels and at border checkpoints. The proposed legislation would ban the publication of gambling promotions, including online gambling, at Armenia’s airports and hotels. Current law permits these advertisements in hotels rated four stars or higher.
Ghahramanyan highlighted a recent increase in these advertisements, expressing concern that exposure to them at airports or border crossings could create a negative impression of Armenia and its tourism industry. If passed, the bill would restrict gambling advertisements to official websites and business offices.
Armenia has previously implemented restrictions on gambling advertising. In December 2012, the government approved an amendment to the “Act on Advertising” that effectively banned the promotion of casinos and gambling on television, radio, the front and back pages of print media, and public posters.
This amendment did not apply to lottery advertisements, which the government considers a public event.
Armenia considers Gambling Regulations Amidst Concerns of a Black Market
Armenian Prime minister Nikol Pashinyan recently addressed the possibility of stricter gambling regulations in the country, acknowledging the complexities of a complete prohibition. While a full ban isn’t considered realistic – as citizens could simply move their betting activities to online platforms in other countries – the government is considering changes that have sparked debate within the industry. (Source: @Nikolpashinyan/X)
Pashinyan stated in a recent press conference, “Those who do not bet in Armenia will bet in other countries. This is online betting. Restricting the Internet is likely to be accused of limiting people’s freedom and taking ‘dictatorship’ measures.”
Recent actions in Yerevan, however, suggest a more nuanced approach than a complete ban. While casinos and bookmakers haven’t strongly opposed new regulations, the advertising industry has voiced concerns. Some advertising companies claim that 60-70% of their sales are linked to online gambling and lottery promotions. Government officials, however, estimate this figure to be closer to 20-25%. Experts warn that unresolved conflicts could inadvertently drive gambling underground, exacerbating existing problems.
Andrejs Gladisevs, an iGaming expert and founder of MyCasino Setup, previously expressed concerns to SIGMA News regarding proposed tax changes.He warned that these changes could substantially impact businesses within the Armenian gambling industry, stating, “if you allow only domestic companies to operate under these laws, it is possible that legal casinos will be closed and the cancer market will be activated.”
A complete prohibition risks pushing gambling into unregulated markets, increasing risks for vulnerable individuals. Experts suggest Armenia could benefit from more sophisticated strategies, including enhanced monitoring, targeted interventions for problem gamblers, and stricter enforcement of existing laws.ultimately,the goal is to balance economic benefits with responsible gambling practices and consumer protection.
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