Armenia to Block Unlicensed Gambling Sites in 2027

Armenia is preparing stronger measures against illegal online gambling, with telecommunications companies set to assist authorities in blocking foreign betting and lottery websites from February 2027.

According to the State Revenue Committee (SRC), amendments to the legislation governing gaming operations are scheduled to take effect from 8 February 2027.

The changes are intended to strengthen enforcement against organisations offering gambling services without an Armenian licence. SRC representatives said existing measures are no longer considered effective as foreign gambling companies increasingly use online advertising to promote their services.

The new provisions will apply to websites offering gaming and lottery services without the required Armenian licences.

Advertising by unlicensed gambling companies will also come under greater scrutiny. The SRC has previously warned that foreign operators have been using online channels to promote their services in Armenia while avoiding existing advertising restrictions.

Under the planned reforms, authorities will have additional tools to limit the advertising methods available to companies operating without the necessary licences.

The website-blocking measures will be introduced alongside a new monitoring system for licensed gambling operators. Random Systems International has been selected to develop a centralised platform that will monitor betting operations and give the SRC immediate access to gambling-related data.

The system will also monitor compliance with gaming obligations and restrictions concerning vulnerable groups and state officials.

The new monitoring platform is expected to become fully operational by January 2027, ahead of the implementation of the website-blocking measures in February.