Nowadays, gambling continues to spread, and people addicted to gambling are constantly looking for new ways to play. With one of the previous legislative regulations, it was possible to make a bet in a cashless way, that is, through bank accounts, which would ensure a certain transparency for the processes. However, it was found that there are some distortions. The Chair of the Standing Committee on Financial-Credit and Budgetary Affairs Gevorg Papoyan said this.
The package of draft laws authored by the MPs Gevorg Papoyan and Hasmik Hakobyan on Making Addendum to the Law on Gambling, Internet Games and Casinos and on Making Addendum to the Law on Lotteries was debated by the Standing Committee on Financial-Credit and Budgetary Affairs at the extraordinary sitting in the first reading on July 7.
With the current regulations, the law allows the players to attach another bank (including card) account to their gaming account and use it to make bets not only from their own funds, but also through the accounts owned by any other person, including through their family members or third persons.
Adoption of the proposed legislative package is primarily aimed at ensuring that each player makes a bet only from his gaming account and the account funds belonging to him, thus making his behavior even more controllable.
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According to Gevorg Papoyan, in the private system, people are already fired for gambling. It is important for the state to prohibit gamblers from working in such systems as the military and security services.
The Committee Chair added that if such a restrictive and regulatory initiative is possible, it will be possible to fight more effectively against the growth of gambling.
According to the key rapporteur, the proposals regarding the legal technique presented by the Government concerning the package of draft laws have been adopted.
The co-rapporteur, the Deputy Minister of Finance Avag Avanesyan, underlining that the sector in Armenia is growing at a rather rapid pace, noted that steps should be taken to create a responsible environment, and comprehensive solutions should be made. According to the information provided by the RA State Revenue Committee and the Ministry of Finance, the volume of bets in Armenia has doubled in the last two years. In the event that additional risks appear during the period from the first to the second reading, issues related to providing the sector technically, providing the database, and regulating the activities of non-resident organizations will also be discussed, so that the solution is comprehensive.
The revised draft was endorsed.
National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia
