Armenia proposes digital platform to track gambling activity
Armenia’s parliament is reviewing fresh amendments to its gambling framework as the government pushes to strengthen oversight of a fast-growing sector.
The bill, put forward by Rafael Gevorgyan, Deputy Chairman of the State Revenue Committee (SRC), focuses on two main issues that have come up since a new gambling law was passed in 2024. That law set up a competitive process to choose one central monitoring operator to oversee all gambling in the country.
The proposed operator would run a digital platform built to track all gambling activity in Armenia, covering both land-based casinos and online services. According to officials, each bet would be recorded in real time, with the SRC granted direct access to detailed data on betting volumes and revenues.
Plan to ensure tax compliance
The aim is to improve tax compliance and make sure reported income matches real activity. Gevorgyan said the first amendment clarifies how appeals about operator selection are handled. The competitive tender started last year, with the first phase finished and the process now in its second stage. Supporters believe clearer rules are needed to avoid disputes that may interfere with the selection process.
Source: src.am
The second part of the bill proposes amendments to the Civil Procedure Code. These would prevent court actions from suspending or delaying the appointment of the monitoring operator. Supporters say the measure is designed to prevent interruptions that could leave the sector without unified oversight. Critics, however, have questioned whether limiting the effect of lawsuits could restrict legal recourse.
The topic has sparked debate in parliament. Hayk Sargsyan, a member of the ruling Civil Contract party, recently criticised delays in carrying out the 2024 reforms. He referred to an order from the Prime Minister urging state agencies to move faster. During a session, Sargsyan was interrupted before he could continue his criticisms.
Data shows rising betting volume
Economic factors appear to be driving the government’s efforts. The Blask Index estimates that Armenia’s gambling market will grow to about $25 million by January 2026, up from $23.8 million in February 2025. While the increase is modest, it shows steady growth and more activity. Tax policy has shifted as well. Recently, parliament raised gambling tax rates, with some levies now twice as high.
The government says that better oversight and higher taxes will help collect more revenue and make the industry more transparent. Besides financial issues, social risks are also being discussed. Research shows that two to three percent of gamblers in Armenia face addiction problems. The fast growth of online platforms has made these concerns worse, as the number of players more than doubled from 2018 to 2020, increasing access and risk.
The amendments now before lawmakers represent an effort to consolidate regulatory control at a time when the sector is expanding. Whether the proposed safeguards strike the right balance between efficiency and legal protection will be determined as the bill proceeds through parliament.
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