Armenian online casinos for Real Money
Armenia Casino Guide
Getting Started
Armenia (also known as the Republic of Armenia) is a small landlocked country located between Asia and Europe. Gambling in this Middle Eastern country has been legalized since the 1990s, but the government strictly regulates its practice because of the negative impacts recorded on the small population over time. However, the casino industry remains a good source of revenue for the Armenian government. Read on to learn everything you need to know before you decide to participate in gambling in Armenia.
Armenia’s Gambling Laws and Regulations
Gambling has been legal in Armenia since 1991 (for reference, see the Law of the Republic of Armenia on Games of Chance and Casinos). In fact, the nation is home to a number of sizable casinos, the biggest of which is TotoGaming, which also manages the Armenian National Lottery. Additionally, the nation is home to a number of smaller game halls.
Although residents have had the freedom to engage in gambling activities since 1991, internet gambling wasn’t made legal in Armenia until 2004. Nowadays, the majority of casinos offer digital platforms for a range of games, such as sports betting, online casino games, and other forms of gambling. Although it is legal for Armenian citizens to gamble and participate in games, the government has the right to bar anyone who has requested self-exclusion from visiting casinos and other similar establishments.
Additionally, while most forms of gambling are allowed, blood games are illegal in Armenia. Blood games are games in which animals are pitted against each other to fight until blood is drawn. These kinds of games are banned because they are considered a form of animal cruelty.
A significant part of the gambling laws in Armenia is location. Casinos are not allowed to be set up in the capital city of Armenia, Yerevan. The closest one is the Casino Shangri La, which is two kilometers from the capital. Under new regulations, casinos cannot be set up within fifty kilometers of the capital or within ten kilometers of a regional center.
The Armenian government regulates the gambling sector by requiring that operators acquire a license from the government before they can operate. In the past years, the Armenian government has taken a negative stance on gambling and has put different measures in place to impede the industry’s growth. The Armenian government is taking targeted action against gambling, from raising the gambling age to limiting the establishment of new casinos to restricting cash for gambling. The sector is also highly taxed, and now we can only wait and see how the industry evolves in response to these policies.
Who Regulates and Licenses Armenia Casino Sites
Gambling in Armenia is regulated by the Ministry of Finance. The body is also responsible for the issuance of licenses to operators and casinos. Before any person can set up a gambling establishment in Armenia, they must contact the Armenian Ministry of Finance for a license.
There are different types of gambling licenses under the Law of the Republic of Armenia on licensing, including those for the organization of lotteries, internet gambling games, and casinos, audit services for gambling games and casinos, and cash collection services.
The Ministry is also in charge of administering taxes in the sector. Players are taxed on their winnings at a rate of 21%. A gambling company looking to open a casino in Armenia must invest at least $100 million. Tax is paid based on a fixed amount set out in the Armenian Tax Code and paid in Armenian Drams (AMD).
Users are encouraged to ensure that a casino is licensed before playing at it. A quick internet search will give you a list of reputable gaming companies that you can check out within the country.
Armenia's Most Popular Gambling Games
Traditional card and table games, such as roulette and poker, are most popular among Armenians. The residents also like Punto Banco, Blackjack, Caribbean Poker, Three Card Poker, American Roulette, and so on.
Lotteries are the oldest form of gambling in Armenia. It was legal even before Armenia’s independence from the Soviet Union. It is wildly popular but monopolized by TotoGaming, the biggest gambling company in Armenia. Buying lottery tickets from foreign lotteries is illegal.
Furthermore, poker has become more popular in Armenia since the 2000s due to the rise of online gaming. It is available as a gaming option in every casino in Armenia. Some forms of poker, such as sports poker, are not considered gambling, while others are.
Finally, sports betting is also a popular gambling game in Armenia, and it is operated by the biggest gaming companies in the country.
How to Deposit/Withdraw at Armenian Casinos
The currency used in Armenia is the Armenian dram (AMD). It is also the currency used in gambling. Previously, three methods of payment were available in Armenian casinos: cash, non-cash payments through banks and cards, and electronic payments. However, Armenia banned the use of cash for gambling in 2022, so you may only place bets using banks, bank transfers, or bank-issued cards. This is just one more stroke in the Armenian government’s attempt to clamp down on the gambling industry.
With the passage of a new bill in 2022, payments can no longer be made through cash or electronic payment options. This rules out cryptocurrency as a payment as well. The bill is said to help socially vulnerable individuals who are addicted to gambling by keeping them from making easy bets. If you’re looking to play any gambling games in Armenia, you need to take note of this development.
Who Can Play at Armenian Casinos?
Armenia’s online casinos are open to everyone. Citizens, foreigners, tourists, and ex-pats are allowed to engage in gambling. Unlike many other countries, the gambling age in Armenia is 21. It was previously 18 but was recently revised in 2018 to combat gambling addictions among its younger population. However, it is more difficult for online casinos to verify players’ ages, so the crackdown is less effective for online gaming.
New Online Casinos Armenia 2024
F.A.Q's
1. Is online gambling legal in Armenia?
Yes, online gambling is legal in Armenia. The government regulates the industry, and operators must obtain a license to offer their services to Armenian players. For more information on licensing and regulation, visit our Licensing and Regulation guide.
2. What are the popular payment methods for Armenian online gamblers?
Armenian players can choose from various payment methods, including credit cards, e-wallets, and bank transfers. To find a comprehensive list of available payment methods, check out our Payment Methods page.
3. Can I play casino games on my mobile device in Armenia?
Yes, many online casinos offer mobile gaming options for Armenian players. Visit our Mobile Gaming guide to learn more about playing casino games on your smartphone or tablet.
4. Are live dealer games available to Armenian players?
Yes, Armenian players can enjoy live dealer games at various online casinos. To learn more about live dealer games and how they work, visit our Live Dealers page.
5. How can I ensure my online gambling activities are safe and secure?
It’s essential to play at licensed and regulated online casinos to guarantee your safety and security. Additionally, using secure payment methods and following our Safety and Security guide’s tips can help protect your personal and financial information.
6. Are there any resources for responsible gambling in Armenia?
Yes, there are resources available for Armenian players who need help with responsible gambling. You can find more information on responsible gambling principles and advocacy in our Responsible Gambling Principles and Responsible Gambling Advocacy guides.
7. What currencies are accepted at online casinos for Armenian players?
While the Armenian Dram (AMD) may not be widely accepted at all online casinos, many will accept major international currencies such as the Euro (EUR) or US Dollar (USD). Visit our Payment Methods page for more information on accepted currencies.
8. Can I play online casino games for free in Armenia?
<p>Yes, many online casinos offer free play or demo versions of their games for Armenian players. To learn more about playing online casino games for free, check out our
Armenian players can take advantage of various bonuses and promotions offered by online casinos, such as welcome bonuses, reload bonuses, and loyalty programs. For more information on these offers, visit our Bonuses and Loyalty Programs guide.
10. Are there any restrictions on online gambling for Armenian players?
While online gambling is legal in Armenia, players must be at least 21 years old to participate. Additionally, some online casinos may restrict access to their services based on jurisdiction. Be sure to check the terms and conditions of the online casino you’re interested in before signing up.