Law Restricting Bookmakers and Gambling Establishments Passed

The National Assembly approved a bill by Alen Simonian and his colleagues, which imposes restrictions on the operations of bookmaker offices and so-called 'khvataykas' in gas stations offering gambling services. These restrictions are set to take effect gradually starting from November 2020.

Prior to the second reading, amendments were made to the bill, stipulating that the area of gambling establishments cannot exceed 200 square meters. These establishments are required to verify the age of individuals, as well as check whether a person's spouse has legally prohibited them from using the venue. In cases of rule violations, bookmakers may even lose their licenses.