Armenian lawmakers are considering a new package of gambling reforms that would widen controls across both legal and illegal markets. The draft law would require internet service providers to block access to unlicensed gambling websites and compel banks and other financial institutions to restrict related payments.

Rafael Gevorkyan, Deputy Chairman of Armenia’s State Revenue Committee, presented the amendments to the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Economic Affairs. The package updates the Law on Regulation of Gambling Activities and targets access to unlicensed gambling services from within Armenia.

Under the draft, internet service providers would have to block unlicensed gambling websites in accordance with procedures and deadlines set separately by the government. Armenian commercial banks and other financial organisations would also have to stop transfers and payments to those platforms.

The same proposal would also place tighter rules on licensed operators. Advertising for licensed casinos, online games, lotteries, and bookmaker services would need regulatory approval before publication.

The reform package also sets out more detailed rules for land-based gambling venues. In gambling halls, players would only be able to exchange gaming chips through non-cash transactions using bank accounts in their own name, although the draft provides an exception for foreign nationals.

Lottery organisers would face a separate requirement on prize funds. Operators of draw-based or combined lotteries would have to create and distribute a prize fund worth at least half of the total value of tickets entered into the draw, excluding tickets that are themselves awarded as prizes.

Armenia’s Standing Committee on Economic Affairs has already issued a positive opinion on the bill. If parliament adopts the amendments, the government would then have three months after the law takes effect to adopt the secondary rules needed for website blocking and enforcement.

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