Armenia Proposes Additional 10% Turnover Tax on Online Casinos
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has revived a proposal to introduce a 10% turnover tax on online casino revenue. The measure, which would not affect bookmakers, is set to take effect on April 1, pending parliamentary approval.
Parliamentary Push for Rapid Approval
Hayk Sargsyan, an MP from the ruling Civil Contract faction, authored the bill and reintroduced it during a Parliamentary Committee on Economic Issues meeting.
Although previously postponed, the bill will now advance under a special procedure, allowing both the first and second readings within 24 hours.
Deputies have approved this fast-track approach.
Growing Online Casino Revenue Triggers Tax Reform
Sargsyan justified the proposal by highlighting the significant growth in Armenia’s online casino sector.
He noted that turnover surged from 14 billion drams in 2010 to 6.3 trillion drams (€15.3 billion) in 2023, while taxes and duties paid by the industry increased from 1 billion drams to just 33 billion drams.
Previous Changes to Gambling Taxation
Last year, Armenia revised its taxation on gambling winnings. Under the amended law, large wins above 5 million drams (€11,000) are now subject to a 5% income tax, down from 10%.
Meanwhile, regular wins—defined as any net win below this threshold—are taxed at 10%. The reform aimed to simplify tax collection for smaller winnings.
Implications for the iGaming Sector
If approved, the additional turnover tax would significantly impact online casino operators, adding to their existing tax burden.
The exclusion of bookmakers suggests a targeted approach focused solely on the rapidly expanding online casino segment.