GOVERNMENT APPROVES CONCEPT OF REGULATION AND CONTROL OF GAMBLING INDUSTRY IN ARMENIA

Noyan Tapan
Apr 1, 2010

YEREVAN, APRIL 1, NOYAN TAPAN. At the April 1 sitting, the Armenian
government approved the concept of the regulation and control of
the gambling industry in the Republic of Armenia. Deputy Minister
of Finance Pavel Safarian said that the concept includes measures
on licensing and control of the gambling industry and presupposes
changes in the law on casinos and prize games.

He said that the purpose of licensing and introducing stricter
control over the industry is to make gambling industry transparent
and controllable which will enable to protect the interests of society.

Such control will allow the competent state bodies to prevent
financial, economic and other crimes, making the offenders answerable
for violations. These measures include the fight against money
laundering and shadow economy.

Chairman of the Audit Chamber Ishkhan Zakarian underlined the
necessity to clarify the process of licensing and to make the owners
pay taxes for each gaming table and playing machine. According to
him, many receive licenses for 10 tables or machines, but use only 3
and pay taxes only for these tables and machines. "We see a risk of
corruption here. It is necessary that taxes be paid for each gaming
table and playing machine, regardless of whether they are used or not,"
I. Zakarian said.