New Gambling Taxes in Armenia from 2025
10% Tax on Gross Turnover
From July 1, 2025, Armenia will introduce a 10% tax on the gross turnover of gambling operators. The new tax applies to:
- Casinos
- Online games
- Sports betting
- Lotteries
- Totalizators
This decision was made after lengthy discussions in the National Assembly of Armenia. It was initiated by a deputy from the Civil Contract party, Hayk Sargsyan, who expects to attract 13 billion drams (~32 million euros) to the state budget.
Increase in Licensing Fees
Additionally, from April 1, 2025, licensing fees for online casinos and sports betting operators will double. The increase will be implemented gradually:
Year | Online Casinos (million AMD) | Online Betting (million AMD) |
---|---|---|
2024 | 175 (~$444K) | 50 (~$126K) |
2025 | 350 (~$890K) | 100 (~$253K) |
2026 | 525 (~$1.3M) | 150 (~$379K) |
2027 | 700 (~$1.8M) | 200 (~$505K) |
2028 | 1,400 (~$3.5M) | 500 (~$1.3M) |
The increase in fees will continue until a new regulatory body is established to oversee the gambling industry in the country.
Reasons and Consequences of the Changes
Arguments of Reform Supporters
- Mitigation of negative effects of gambling, including addiction growth and financial losses among the population.
- Expected GDP growth of 10–15% due to redistribution of funds into the economy.
- Increase in budget revenues by 7.34%.
Concerns of the Ministry of Finance
- Possible outflow of operators to foreign jurisdictions.
- Growth of the grey market in gambling.
- Financial burden may deter new industry participants.
Introduction of New Regulatory Bodies
Along with tax changes, the government plans to establish:
- Gambling Industry Monitoring Center – for analyzing and controlling financial flows.
- Institute of Gambling Operators – for coordinating and regulating companies in this sector.
Market Prospects
The gambling industry’s reaction to the new measures remains mixed. On one hand, the state aims for stricter regulation to reduce social risks. On the other hand, operators fear increased financial pressure, which could lead to a rise in the shadow sector and a reduction in the number of licensed companies.
How the reform will impact the Armenian gambling market will become clear in the coming years.