The National Assembly has passed a bill restricting gambling advertising in Armenia; the decision was made within the first reading.

Among a total of 80 MPs involved in the discussion, 56 MPs voted for this draft law, with eight against and 16 abstaining. 

The Bill disallows advertising of any variety of gambling in Armenia, including casinos, betting offices, as well as gambling organisers. This ban extends across radio, televisions and the internet; however, it does not apply to relevant own official websites.

The advertising of gambling in Armenia will be allowed in hotels that are four stars or higher, as well as at checkpoints and within buildings that hold gambling events. 

The new rules follow a similar pattern to those already agreed in other countries such as Georgia, Estonia, Latvia and the Czech Republic. 

Previously, in September 2018, Armenian authorities chose to amend gambling regulation within the country.

Casinos must now only accept visitors who are at least 21 years of age and provision must be in place to allow for verification on arrival. 

Armenia previously tightened advertising rules, again in 2018, which meant only local gambling operators could advertise. Within this parameter, they could only target those over 21 years of age and advertise between 10pm and 6am.

Gambling age limits were raised from 18 to 21 in 2018, when the National Assembly voted unanimously. They also introduced much heavier fines for casinos and bookmakers who went against the new rulings.