Armenia to ban online gambling advertising

The Armenian National Assembly has adopted on first reading new legislation prohibiting advertising of online gambling games via radio, TV and other media.

The Armenpress news agency reports that 91 MPs voted in favour and one abstained when voting for a package of bills making changes and amendments to gambling and advertising laws.

A government spokesman said that government is formulating a more unified approach on the advertising of online gambling games, as well as casinos and other types of gambling games, establishing that advertising of other types of casinos and internet gambling games is prohibited.

Advertising will be allowed only in cases when the games are advertised directly by game centres, or if they are placed in Republic of Armenia border entry points or hotels complying with not less than 4 star qualification requirements and standards.

Consumer protection has been cited as the motivation for the bans.