Shaped by both domestic policy shifts and regional market dynamics, Armenia has long maintained a small yet active gaming industry. Online betting and gaming platforms have grown steadily over the past decade. Casinos, however, operate mainly in designated zones outside Yerevan. These casinos attract both local and foreign operators.
Data from the State Revenue Committee of the Republic of Armenia shows a sharp rise in gambling turnover. In 2018, it was $1 billion (€0.92 billion). In the previous year, it reached almost $18 billion. Almost all of this activity, an estimate of 98 percent, originated from online platforms instead of land-based casinos. The scale of the sector now exceeds the national debt of $12.8 billion or €11.8 billion.
Both from local and foreign operators, the nation has seen a significant increase in gambling activities. Analysts project that the country’s online gambling market will generate $205.22 million (€175.7 million) in revenue in 2025. This is according to data from Statista. Analysts expect the online sports betting segment to generate around $11.8 million (€10.9 million).
Nevertheless, together with this, the concern of gambling addiction has also taken centre stage in Yerevan. A report by local media stated that Armenians lost an estimated $150 million (€138 million) to gambling in 2021. The high financial losses suggest that many individuals may face harm. However, researchers have not yet provided specific national prevalence rates for gambling problems.
The Armenian government responded to renewed efforts to restrict online gambling advertisements by introducing legislative measures to address gambling addiction. A ruling party lawmaker has introduced a bill to ban such ads in hotels and at border crossing points.
Narek Ghahramanyan, a lawmaker from the Civil Contract party, presented the proposal in parliament on May 7 this year. Including online gambling promotions at Armenian entry points and in hotels, the legislation would restrict gambling advertisements. Provided the hotel has a rating of four stars or higher, current law allows such ads in these locations.
