Armenia amends gambling and advertising regulations

Armenia has amended its laws related to gambling and advertisement. As per the new regulations, only the local gambling operator will be allowed to advertise in the country.

An additional requirement is that gambling advertising should be targeted at citizens over 21 years of age. Advertising of gambling on radio and TV will be limited to 22:00 and 06:00 period of time. The penalty for violation of the law will be 1 million drams (about $ 2,067).

The Armenian government has also amended the Law on Lotteries, according to which the gambling business will be restricted to special zones of Tsakhkadzor, Sevan, Jermuk, and Meghri.

Tsaghkadzor is a city in the Koktaisk region, one of the most popular ski and climate resorts in the country which accepts tourists all year round. Sevan is a city popular with tourists due to the largest source of fresh water in Armenia – Lake Sevan. It is expected that the construction of the gambling zone will promote the development of this region. Jermuk is another resort town with at least nine hotels opened.

Meghri is a city rich in historical monuments in the south of Armenia. Due to its climate, as well as its developed infrastructure, it is potentially a successful project for the gambling and entertainment resort area.