TITLE: Armenia's State Revenue Committee Reinforces Prohibition on Illegal Gambling Advertising
BODY:
On March 4, 2026, Armenia's State Revenue Committee (SRC) issued a reminder regarding the strict enforcement of advertising restrictions under the Law on Advertising of the Republic of Armenia.
The SRC emphasised that Armenian law prohibits all forms of advertising related to gambling, including games of chance, internet gambling, casinos, gambling halls, lotteries, and totalisators, as well as their organisers. Advertising is permitted exclusively on the official websites of licensed operators and within or on the premises of licensed gambling establishments, casinos, gambling halls, totalisators, bookmaking offices, or similar venues.
The SRC noted an increase in circumvention attempts using various mechanisms. These include indirect and concealed advertising through social media users, bloggers, and public figures such as athletes and entertainers, who promote gambling-related content. The committee identified specific practices including ceremonial events displaying gambling product names and branding, public figures wearing branded clothing and accessories, and videos or music recorded in gambling venues with prominent branding subsequently distributed on public platforms. Additionally, the SRC highlighted increased instances of foreign-licensed websites advertising gambling services to Armenian residents.
The committee clarified that foreign licensing does not exempt organisations or their representatives from complying with Armenian legislation. Licensed gambling operators within Armenia are also subject to the same advertising restrictions.
The SRC warned that gambling advertising creates misleading perceptions of quick profits while downplaying potential losses and addiction risks. It stated that circumventing advertising prohibitions—whether directly, indirectly, through intermediaries, or using digital technologies—constitutes a legal violation subject to statutory penalties.
The SRC urged strict compliance with the Law on Advertising and requested reports of any violations to the committee at 010 30-42-92 or 010-30-42-91.