Armenia to Fine Unlicensed Firms for Gambling Terms in Branding
Companies without the relevant gambling licence in Armenia will be barred from using gambling-related terms in company names, trademarks, website addresses and signs from February 8, 2027. Each violation can bring an AMD500,000 ($1,376) fine.
Armenia’s State Revenue Committee issued a warning on September 23 ahead of the change. The notice lists terms including gambling, casino, gaming hall, internet gambling, lottery, bookmaking, betting office and totalizator.
Derivatives and translations of those words are covered as well. The exception is for a person holding the corresponding licence for that type of gambling activity.
Five Places Where the Rule Applies
The law lists five places where an unlicensed company cannot use the restricted terminology: an organisation’s name, its trade name, a trademark, website names and signs. The rule affects more than website wording. A company may need to review registered names, trademarks and physical signs before February 8, 2027.
The penalty provision cross-references Article 8(11). It sets the fine at AMD500,000 ($1,376) for each violation, based on the Central Bank of Armenia’s official exchange rate of AMD363.44 per $1 on September 23, 2026.
SRC Gives Businesses 138 Days
Companies have 138 days between the SRC warning and the rule taking effect. The committee is already telling companies without the required licence to stop using the affected wording before the new regime takes effect. The notice does not limit the warning to online operators.
The wording of Article 8 is based on licensing status. A person using one of the covered gambling terms needs the corresponding gaming licence.
Another Part of the 2027 Reform
The February changes also cover how gambling businesses present their brands. 15M previously reported on Armenia’s planned blocking measures and payment restrictions for unlicensed gambling.
The SRC’s latest warning focuses on names, trademarks, website addresses and signs. The warning gives affected businesses time to adjust before the February 8, 2027 deadline.