Online Casino and Sports Betting Regulations in Armenia

Planning to launch your iGaming business in Armenia? If so, deep dive in this blog to learn the online casino and sports betting regulations in Armenia.  

Are you considering Armenia for your next big iGaming launch?

If yes, you made a smart move, indeed.

Armenia’s strong digital infrastructure, high smartphone connectivity, tech-savvy population have created more demand for online casinos and sports betting platforms.

The growing demand for iGaming has positioned Armenia as a market of opportunity for iGaming operators.

But with opportunities come challenges.

Armenia’s iGaming industry is dynamic where laws, rules & regulations keep updating.

For operators planning to enter Armenia iGaming market, understanding its sports betting and online casino regulations is a must.

Here, we will explore this.

Online Casino & Sports Betting Market in Armenia

In the past decade, Armenia witnessed a remarkable growth in the iGaming industry. Online casinos, sports betting, and lotteries are some of the gambling activities that are legalized in the country.

However, Armenians are not allowed to gamble on platforms outside Armenia. It means offshore operators won’t be able to target Armenian players outside the country.

In 2022, revenue from gambling, lotteries, and casinos generated approximately 18.8 billion drams (€43.5 million), making up 10.4 percent of the country’s services sector.

This expansion led to the launch of more betting companies. Some of these companies are Armenia’s largest taxpayers.

Though the surge created economic opportunity, it also raised serious concerns and regulatory challenges. The concern was regarding the social consequences of gambling addiction.

Armenia’s Regulatory Authorities for iGaming

The online casino and sports betting industry in Armenia is overseen by multiple regulatory bodies. These bodies work together to ensure fairness, transparency, and responsible gambling practices.

The main governing body is the Ministry of Finance.  This regulatory body issues licenses, draft gambling laws, and monitor compliance.

It also ensures that operators meet financial, technical and ethical standards.

Besides it, Armenia is also working to establish two key oversight institutions:

1. The Gaming Sector Monitoring Center: Its responsibilities include tracking real-time gambling transactions and enforcing anti-fraud measures.

2. The Gaming Operators Institute: This body is responsible for maintaining operator registries, auditing software systems, and enhancing consumer protections.

These regulatory bodies in Armenia work together to regulate game fairness, ensure proper taxation, and monitor all gaming systems via centralized digital infrastructure.

The growing role of these bodies reflects Armenia’s shift from a loosely controlled market to a highly monitored, data-driven regulatory model.

This model is built to ensure long-term trust and sustainability.

Tax Provisions in Gambling

Lately, Armenia introduced its new tax provision.

Before April 1, 2025, Online gambling operators in Armenia had to pay fees to the government.

It was a fixed fee depending on their total betting volume. Let’s understand this below:

• Online casinos paid 175 million Armenian drams for every 100 billion drams players bet.
• Sports betting companies paid 50 million drams for every 50 billion drams in bet.

Back to April 1, 2025, Armenia doubled those fees. So, casinos had to pay 350 million drams and sportsbooks had to pay 100 million drams for the same betting amount.

And it doesn’t end here.

Starting July 2025, Armenia introduced a new 10% turnover tax. This means now operators must pay 10% of all the money players bet.

In Short:  Before April 2025, Operators paid lower and fixed fees.  From April 2025, those fees doubled   From July 2025: A new 10% tax on all bets was added (quite costly)

Online Casino & Sports Betting License in Armenia

Like any other country, operators in Armenia are required to obtain an Armenian-issued license. Besides, they must offer certified gaming platforms and enforce player specific accounts.

According to article 4 of Law on Games of Chance, internet gambling in Armenia can be operated by RA-registered commercial entities holding a license from the Ministry of Finance.

Platforms not registered in Armenia are prohibited under national law. This safeguards consumer rights and ensures compliance.

Similarly, all gaming software must be internationally certified and comply with the 90% return-to-player (RTP) rule over time.

For transactions, the Armenian Government has set specific rules regarding it. Cash payments are banned for online platforms. Only bank cards and online payments are permitted.

New Legislative Changes in Gambling & Betting

In 2024, online casinos in Armenia had deposits over AMD 811 billion ($2 billion). Further, the government acknowledged the risk posed by gambling, especially among young people.

To tackle this issue, the Government of Armenia implemented regulations concerning gambling in 2024 as below:

• Individuals under the age of 21 are prohibited from gambling.
• Operators must implement an electronic management system. It should have an interconnection of information system, software, and database of game organizers.
• Players’ bank cards and game balance are required for identification. Game organizers have the authority to check any player’s bank account by submitting a request to the respective bank.

These new changes regarding online casino and sports betting laws in Armenia are expected to enhance personal data.

Further, this will ensure full verifiability of gaming products,

Highlights

• Armenia doubled online casino and bookmaker tax rates in April 2025, and will rise further in 2028.
• A 10% turnover tax on all gambling activities such as online and land-based effective from July 2025.
• Two regulatory bodies 1) the Gaming Sector Monitor and 2) Gaming Operator Institute are being launched to oversee the industry.

Final Wordings

Armenia’s iGaming landscape is a little topsy turvy.

No doubt, there are strict regulations and rising compliance costs, but Armenia remains a promising and valuable market for aspiring iGaming operators.

The government’s initiative for transparency and player protection are creating a stable and long-term environment where serious businesses can thrive.

All-in-all, Armenia isn’t just a viable option, but it’s a smart move for future-focused iGaming operators who want to target Armenians.

FAQs

• What authority regulates online casinos and betting in Armenia?

  The RA State Revenue Committee regulates and oversees the operations of lotteries, gambling, online gambling and casinos.

• Do I need a license to operate an online casino in Armenia?

  Yes, every operator requires a license to offer online casino and sports betting services to Armenia players. The license must be issued by Armenian Authorities and comply with local rules.

• Is online gambling legal in Armenia?

  Yes, online gambling is legal in Armenia. Operators must get a license and follow regulations. Unlicensed offshore platforms targeting Armenian audiences are prohibited.

• What types of online gambling are allowed in Armenia?

  All regulated games are permitted including online casino, sports betting, lotteries, and e-games. All services must ensure player protection, technical certification, and responsible gambling standards.

• Has Armenia recently updated its gambling laws?

  Yes, in 2025, Armenia imposed an advertisement ban, introduced major fees hike (doubling license since April 1, 2025) and added a 10% turnover tax effective July 1, 2025.