Armenia bans use of gambling terminology by brands that don’t have gambling licences
Businesses without a gambling licence will be prohibited from using specific gambling-related terms in their names, trademarks, websites or signage..
Key takeaways:
- Armenia will restrict unlicensed businesses from using gambling-related terminology from February 8, 2027.
- The rules apply to company names, trademarks, website names and signage and cover terms such as “online gambling,” “bookmaking activity,” “betting office” and “totalisator.”
- Violations will carry a fine of AMD500,000, around US$1,380.
Armenia.- Armenia’s State Revenue Committee (SRC) has announced new restrictions on the use of gambling-related terminology by businesses that do not have local licences for such activity. According to Armenpress, the restrictions will enter into force on February 8, 2027, under Armenia’s Law on the Regulation of Gaming Activities.
The measure will prohibit unlicensed businesses from using terms associated with gambling activities in their company names, trademarks, website names and signage. The list of terms covered includes examples like “gambling,” “gaming house,” “gaming hall,” “online gambling,” “lottery,” “bookmaking activity,” “betting office” and “totalisator,” as well as their derivatives and translations.
The SRC has called on businesses that do not have gambling licences to review their names and other commercial materials ahead of the new rules taking effect. Businesses found to be in violation will face a fine of AMD500,000 (around US$1,380).
Armenia strengthens gambling oversight
The new restrictions come as Armenia continues to strengthen oversight of both land-based and online gambling. In July, Armenian authorities selected Malta-based Random Systems International Limited to develop and operate a nationwide digital monitoring system for the gambling sector. The platform is expected to become operational in 2027 and will allow authorities to monitor betting activity in real time, enforce restrictions on vulnerable groups and state and municipal employees, and oversee compliance with responsible gambling and fair gaming requirements.
In June, Armenia’s National Assembly approved amendments introducing mandatory self-exclusion tools across licensed online casinos, restrictions on gambling for certain financially vulnerable groups and a spending limit linked to players’ declared income. Under the new framework, online gambling expenditure will be capped at 20 per cent of an individual’s annual declared income.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs):
- When will Armenia’s new gambling terminology restrictions take effect? The restrictions will take effect on February 8, 2027, under Armenia’s Law on the Regulation of Gaming Activities.
- What gambling terms will unlicensed businesses be prohibited from using in Armenia? The list includes terms such as “gambling,” “online gambling,” “lottery,” “bookmaking activity,” “betting office” and “totalisator,” including their derivatives and translations.
- How much is the fine for violating Armenia’s gambling terminology rules? Businesses found in violation will face a fine of AMD500,000, equivalent to around US$1,380.
