Pashinyan expresses deep concern over gambling issue

Bets cannot be banned, but the government is trying to create as many obstacles as possible, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has said.

Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan made this statement at a press conference while addressing the concerning statistics on gambling in Armenia.

"It is a form of activity that exists in all countries and cannot be banned," Pashinyan said, clarifying that online betting allows people to place bets in other countries. "If we restrict the internet, I am sure there will be many comments accusing us of limiting people's freedom and taking a dictatorial step," he added.

The Prime Minister noted that certain regulations have been introduced to manage the risks associated with the issue.

"There has been no lack of political will; concrete actions have been taken, but the numbers are still growing. And here we ask ourselves: are we doing something wrong? I do not rule it out. Big money is being invested in this sector, and technology is advancing faster than we can keep up with," Pashinyan said.

He emphasized that the government is making every effort to impose as many restrictions as possible.