TITLE: Armenia's Ministry of Economy Establishes Verification Procedures for Online Gaming Operator Bank Accounts
BODY:
On March 12, 2026, Armenia's Ministry of Economy released a draft ministerial order establishing verification procedures for bank accounts and cards used by online gaming operators to fund dedicated player accounts.
The draft order implements provisions of three laws adopted on March 26, 2025: amendments to the Law on Government Structure and Operations (HO-46-N), the Law on State Lotteries (HO-49-N), and the Law on Gambling, Online Gambling, and Casinos (HO-50-N). These legislative changes, combined with amendments to Prime Minister Decree 658-L (June 1, 2019) via Prime Minister Decree 778-L (September 4, 2025), transferred regulatory authority over the gaming sector to Armenia's Ministry of Economy. The Ministry is now responsible for developing legal instruments governing gaming activities, researching and implementing new gaming tools and technologies, regulating gaming operations, and administering licensing for regulated gaming entities.
The draft order will establish the specific procedures by which online gaming operators must verify that bank accounts and payment cards used to fund dedicated player accounts belong to the authorised player account holder. This verification mechanism aims to strengthen consumer protections and ensure proper segregation of player funds in accordance with Armenian gaming regulations.
The public consultation period runs from March 12, 2026 to March 28, 2026. Stakeholders can submit suggestions via the e-draft.am portal, with comments to be published within two working days following administrator confirmation. The draft order is available for review on Armenia's e-draft platform.