Video: Illegal Gambling Organized in Downtown Yerevan Causing 5.5 Billion Dram Damage

The police have uncovered the organization of an illegal ‘Poker’ game in downtown Yerevan, which has reportedly caused damage to the state amounting to around 5.5 billion drams.

A man had been organizing games of chance in a residential apartment on Aram Khachatryan Street since March, and later in a café in Mashtots Boulevard, without state registration or special permission, through a hired dealer.

According to the police report, he accepted bets with chips equivalent to 1,000, 5,000, and 25,000 drams, collecting 3% from participants’ winnings. This operation yielded a daily profit of about 300,000 drams.

The man failed to pay the state tax required for such activities, resulting in substantial damage to the legal interests of the state, amounting to approximately 5.5 billion drams.

During the inspection at the scene, various gambling paraphernalia were discovered and confiscated for further action. Additionally, a raid on one of the game participants revealed an unlicensed gas pistol, ammunition, and a folding knife with a 15 cm blade.

A criminal case has been initiated and has been forwarded to the Investigative Department of the State Revenue Committee.