Armenian lawmakers are considering a clampdown on payment methods for gambling.
Reports says parliament wants a ban on cash gambling, including through payment terminals, with prohibition on eWallet transactions apparently to follow in six months, according to SBC News.
Supporters of the legislation say the changes could reduce problem gambling. “The main target of the bill is citizens who are socially vulnerable but at the same time have gambling addiction, which worsens their social condition,” said MP Gevorg Papoya, a proponent of the legislative changes.
“If the law takes effect, the cash option will be banned. Then, after six months, the e-money option will also be banned, leaving only the bank transaction, meaning the non-cash payment option. Being an adult is a mandatory condition for having a bookmaking account, an age threshold is in place for having a bank account as well. Therefore, the participation of minors will not be possible.”
Should the National Assembly approve the changes, a blackout ban on betting and gaming advertising will be implemented, with marketing limited to four-star and above hotels, border checkpoints and ‘in the front of buildings carrying out the similar business activities’.
In February, 56 MPs voted in favor of the changes. If implemented, the restrictions will bring Armenia’s advertising restrictions in line with other stringent regulations in Latvia, Estonia, the Czech Republic, and Georgia.
