The Armenian Parliament today approved at a final hearing a bill that introduces significant restrictions on the way gambling products are advertised in the country. The piece of legislation was introduced by MP Hrachya Hakobyan, member of the ruling My Step Alliance.
Under its provisions, gambling ads will be allowed to air across TV and radio between 10pm and 7am. Advertisers will have to make sure that their ads do not target minors and people aged under 21, the new legal age for gambling in Armenia. In other words, gambling ads must not feature cartoon characters and themes that could appeal to children. Adverts should feature a message that only people over 21 are allowed to gamble.
The piece of legislation also mandates that gambling ads must not exceed 3 minutes of screen time during the above-mentioned allowed period. A single ad should be no longer than 60 seconds and no more than two ads should be aired within an hour.
The bill received overwhelming support from members of Armenia’s 132-person Parliament. A total of 114 MPs voted in favor of the piece during today’s final hearing.
The new restrictions also come with tough penalties for those who violate them. Offenders of the rules face fines of up to AMD1 million (approx. $2,100).
Gambling Crackdown
The partial gambling ads ban comes as part of a larger proposed overhaul of Armenia’s gambling industry. Lawmakers call for a ban on casinos, betting shops, and gaming machines around the country, excluding four small towns. The measure aims to reduce the exposure of residents of Armenia to the ill effects of gambling.
The looming gambling crackdown will also raise the minimum gambling age to 21 from 18. As mentioned above, adverts of gaming and betting products will have to feature a message that those aged under 21 are prohibited from gambling.
The proposed restrictions on the provision of gambling in Armenia prompted street protests earlier this month. Gambling is one of the biggest economic sectors in the tiny republic nestled in the Southern Caucasus region. The pending gambling crackdown is expected to result in 1,500 people employed in the industry being laid off.
The gambling facilities, both betting shops and casinos, that are affected by the proposed changes are now said to have 18 months to comply with the rules. The measures are expected to take effect in November 2020, according to reports by local media.
Armenia is not the only country where gambling adverts have become the subject of heated debates in recent years. Italy implemented a blanket ban on advertising last year, while the Swedish government has recently launched a review of the country’s gambling advertising policies.
Measures restricting gambling ads are also currently discussed in Spain, the United Kingdom, and Finland, among a number of other countries.
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