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Armenia Strengthens Online Gambling Controls: A Comprehensive Guide to the New Regulatory Framework

By jili tutorial · September 9, 2026

Armenia Strengthens Online Gambling Controls: A Comprehensive Guide to the New Regulatory Framework

Overview of the Latest Reforms

Armenia is significantly escalating its crackdown on unlicensed gambling operators through a new legislative package. The State Revenue Committee (SRC) has announced plans to block access to illegal gambling websites via telecommunications operators, marking a major step in the country’s ongoing effort to regulate the digital gambling landscape. According to the state news agency Armenpress, these revised rules will take effect on 8 February 2027, amending the existing provisions of the Law On Regulation of Gaming Activities regarding the blocking of unlicensed operators offering online gambling and lottery services.

The SRC explained that these changes are necessary because offshore gambling platforms have become increasingly accessible through digital means, making enforcement difficult under the current legal framework.

Key Components of the New Measures

Telecom-Level Blocking of Unlicensed Sites

Under the upcoming rules, Armenian telecommunications providers will be legally required to block access to websites operated by unlicensed gambling and lottery companies. This brings Armenia in line with other jurisdictions that use ISP-level blocking as a primary enforcement tool against illegal offshore operators.

Example: A player attempting to visit a foreign casino site not licensed by Armenia will see a block page instead of the gambling platform. The SRC will maintain and update a list of prohibited domains.

Advertising Restrictions for Unlicensed Operators

The reforms also impose severe limitations on advertising opportunities for illegal gambling brands. This includes bans on digital ads, sponsorships, and any form of marketing that promotes unlicensed platforms within Armenia. The goal is to cut off the supply of new players to these operators by eliminating their visibility.

Payments Block Already in Place

In May 2025, the cabinet of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan tightened oversight by implementing a payments block. The Ministry of Finance gained enhanced authority over Armenian banks and financial institutions to prevent them from processing transactions tied to unlicensed gambling operators. This measure complements the telecom block by making it difficult for players to deposit or withdraw funds on illegal sites.

The Broader Digital Regulatory Infrastructure

Centralised Single Digital System

Armenia’s gambling legislation underwent a complete overhaul, adopted by the National Assembly in June 2024 and enforced on 1 January 2025. In February 2025, amendments were passed to create a unified digital system for gambling regulation. This system:

The operator was selected through an open tender. In August 2025, the contract was awarded to Random Systems International (RSI), a Malta-based digital RegTech firm. RSI received a 15-year licence as the gambling regulator and was tasked with developing, optimising, and launching its proprietary monitoring system in Armenia by January 2027.

Real-Time Monitoring and Enforcement

The centralised system allows authorities to track all gambling activity in real time. This gives the SRC unprecedented visibility into market trends, helps identify suspicious patterns, and assists in enforcing compliance. For example, if a licensed operator’s system reports unusual volumes, regulators can investigate immediately.

Timeline of Key Regulatory Events

DateAction
June 2024National Assembly adopts comprehensive gambling law overhaul
1 January 2025New gambling law comes into full effect
February 2025Amendments passed to create single digital regulatory system
May 2025Payments block enforced; Ministry of Finance gains bank oversight
August 2025RSI wins 15-year regulator licence via open tender
January 2027RSI’s proprietary monitoring system must be launched
8 February 2027Telecom block and advertising restrictions come into force

Implications for Operators and Players

For licensed operators, the new framework provides a clear, tightly regulated environment. They benefit from reduced competition from illegal platforms and must comply with real-time data reporting requirements. For players, the changes mean greater consumer protection—only vetted, lawful sites will be accessible, and financial transactions are secured. However, those accustomed to unlicensed offshore platforms will face blocks on both access and payments.

The combination of ISP blocking, payment interception, and advertising bans creates a multi-layered enforcement strategy that targets the entire supply chain of illegal gambling.

Why Armenia Is Taking This Approach

Armenia’s gambling market has grown rapidly, attracting both legitimate operators and offshore platforms that circumvent local tax and regulatory obligations. The government aims to:

The reforms align with global trends—many European and Asian jurisdictions have adopted similar ISP-blocking and payment-blocking measures against unlicensed gambling.

Conclusion

Armenia’s 2027 telecom block, together with the already-enforced payments block and the upcoming centralised digital system, represents one of the most comprehensive regulatory overhauls in the region. By combining technological enforcement with strict advertising bans, the SRC is building a fortified regulatory environment that leaves little room for illegal operators to operate.