Armenia is preparing a tougher approach to illegal online gambling, with new rules set to make telecom operators part of the fight against unlicensed betting and lottery websites.
The changes to the country’s Law “On Regulation of Gaming Activities” are due to take effect on February 8, 2027, according to the State Revenue Committee (SRC). The new framework will give authorities a more direct technical route to restricting access to gambling websites that operate without an Armenian licence.
Telecom operators brought into the crackdown
Under the new system, telecommunications companies will play a key role in blocking access to illegal gambling platforms.
The move is designed to make website restrictions more effective than previous measures, while also limiting the ability of unlicensed operators to advertise their services to Armenian consumers.
Authorities have stressed that the measures are aimed at unlicensed businesses rather than legitimate operators. The broader objective is to strengthen Armenia’s licensing system, protect regulated companies and create a more level playing field.
For offshore betting sites, however, the new approach could make reaching Armenian players considerably harder.
Armenia keeps tightening online gambling rules
The telecom measures are the latest step in a wider overhaul of Armenia’s gambling sector.
Parliament adopted a new regulatory framework in June 2024, with the legislation coming into force at the start of 2025. Since then, Armenia has continued to add controls covering both operators and players.
One of the most significant changes was the creation of a centralised digital monitoring system connecting licensed online and land-based operators. The platform provides authorities with real-time information on wagers, deposits and player losses.
The SRC selected Malta-based RegTech company Random Systems International through a public tender to operate the system under a 15-year licence.
Stricter limits for players
Further restrictions were approved in June 2026 as Armenia increased its focus on gambling-related harm.
Licensed online casinos must now provide a clearly visible self-exclusion button on their websites and apps. Once activated, players are blocked from online casino services for five years, with the restriction automatically renewed unless they formally request its removal.
The rules also prohibit certain financially vulnerable groups from gambling online, including people receiving social assistance, pension-dependent individuals, people undergoing bankruptcy proceedings and participants in state-funded programmes.
In addition, Armenia introduced an income-based restriction limiting gambling activity to 20% of a player’s declared annual income.
The upcoming telecom blocking rules add another layer to the strategy, shifting part of the enforcement effort from monitoring gambling activity to controlling who can actually reach Armenian players.