Armenia proposes tougher online gambling rules
Summary
On July 3, 2026, Deputy Chairman of Armenia's State Revenue Committee, Rafael Gevorgyan, presented a package of amendments to the Law on Gambling Regulation, related legislation, and the Tax Code. The proposals aim to address the growing shift of gambling services online by unlicensed providers outside the country's legal framework. The draft legislation seeks to strengthen state oversight by improving mechanisms for blocking unlicensed websites, limiting their advertising, and strengthening the monitoring of financial flows. It also requires telecommunications operators to restrict access to these platforms and limits money transfers related to gambling through commercial banks and payment service providers. The changes aim to protect the licensed gambling market, ensure fair competition, and enhance state supervision. Additionally, the legislative package introduces amendments governing the automatic exchange of financial account information. These changes to the Tax Code are intended to improve the automatic exchange system, align it with OECD standards and international best practices, and clarify key concepts and procedures. Oversight of financial institutions' compliance will be carried out by the tax authority, and the deadline for reporting institutions to submit information to the tax authority would be extended from May 10 to June 30. The amendments also introduce liability for individuals who provide false or inaccurate information and clarify requirements for maintaining and recording financial account data.
(Source:The Panarmenian Net)