Advertising of gambling games will be prohibited at the checkpoints of the state border of Armenia and in the hotels of the country.
On May 7 at the plenary session of the National Assembly the amendments to the law “On Advertising”, proposed by Narek Kahramanyan, NA deputy from “Civil Contract” faction, will be discussed in the first reading. According to the author of the initiative, the necessity of adopting the law is conditioned by the requirements of restricting the placement of gambling advertisements. It is proposed to introduce a ban on placing advertisements of gambling, Internet gambling, casinos and gambling halls, lotteries at the checkpoints of the RA state border, as well as in hotel complexes with at least 4 stars.
According to the rapporteur, the number of advertisements of various gambling establishments, casinos and gambling halls on billboards at the border checkpoints and hotels has increased noticeably recently. It was noted that it also negatively influences the image of Armenia as a country with thousand-year history and rich culture.
Kahramanyan informed that before the discussion of the second reading a number of other amendments will be made in the regulation of the gambling sector. The law should come into force on June 1, 2025.
In his turn, RA Minister of Economy Gevorg Papoyan presented the government’s positive position on the document, suggesting to consider the expediency of making relevant amendments to the law “On Winning Games, Internet and Casino Games” between the first and second readings in order to eliminate contradictions between the two laws. The Minister recalled that earlier the previous parliament adopted the relevant package of laws, but left the possibility of organizing games in 5-star hotels and at checkpoints, which was due to the need to take into account the interests of tourists. Now this loophole, which was also used by the citizens of Armenia, is completely closed. There will be no advertising in the airports of the country.