Armenia to Ban Unlicensed Gambling Terms From 2027

Armenia’s revenue authority has introduced restrictions that will prevent businesses from using gambling-related terminology in their names, trademarks or website domains without the required gambling licence.

The measure is scheduled to take effect on February 8, 2027, and applies to eight specific gambling-related terms in Armenian, including words associated with gambling, casinos, lotteries and betting premises.

Businesses that breach the new requirements will face fines of approximately $1,380 for each violation. Licensed operators, however, will remain permitted to use terminology corresponding to the type of gambling licence they hold.

For instance, a company authorised to provide sports betting will be allowed to identify itself as a sports betting house.

The naming restrictions form part of a broader set of measures also due to begin on February 8, 2027. These include requirements for telecom operators to block unlicensed gambling websites based on an updated daily list, alongside restrictions covering advertising and payment activities connected with unlicensed gambling businesses.

The challenge of keeping pace with unlicensed gambling websites was highlighted by Rafael Gevorgyan, deputy chairman of the committee.

“While we’re blocking, say, 50 websites, by the time it’s completed, the relevant organisations have already created another 50 websites, which must undergo the same process again.”

Under the law, individuals will also have the option to voluntarily exclude themselves from all online gambling games for five years.

The legislation further limits gambling expenditure to 20% of annual income and prohibits gambling by people receiving social benefits, pensioners who have no other income, and individuals undergoing bankruptcy.

In addition, a separate player protection law is scheduled to come into force on January 1, 2027, introducing another measure aimed at regulating player participation in gambling.