Video: Illegal Casino Operated in the Basement of a Building on Bagratuni Street

The Investigation and Operational Search Department of the State Revenue Committee has recently uncovered another case of illegal casino operations. Specifically, operational information was received that an underground casino was operating in the Shengavit administrative area of Yerevan.

Using secretive and undercover methods, the staff of the Investigation and Operational Search Department carried out operational-search measures. As a result, factual data and circumstances were obtained that indicated a poker-type card game, known as 'live gaming', was organized and conducted by residents A. K. and A. M. in the basement of a building on Bagratuni Street in Yerevan, with a cash stake involved, which is recognized as casino activity under the law of the Republic of Armenia on 'Gambling, Internet Gambling, and Casinos.'

The casino operated mainly two days a week and only during nighttime hours. Since the casino functioned covertly, random visitors could not access the premises. Moreover, the casino's activities were conducted according to a pre-developed scenario. The organizers would inform participants and the dealer in advance about the upcoming game and the composition of the participants, personally inviting them to participate.

Following the operational-search measures, a criminal case was initiated based on the materials prepared, under the features of the first part of the third section of Article 188 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Armenia. The damage caused to the state as a result of the illegal activities of the casino organizers amounted to 5 billion 500 million drams. Efforts are underway to clarify the range of individuals involved in the casino’s operations and finalize the assessment of the damage caused to the state.

It should be noted that according to the law on 'Gambling, Internet Gambling, and Casinos' of the Republic of Armenia, a casino can be organized within the administrative boundaries of Tsaghkadzor, Jermuk, Sevan, and Meghri communities, as well as in the territory of Yerevan’s 'Zvartnots' International Airport. Furthermore, a casino and/or electronic gaming can be organized (licensed) within the framework of an investment program of over 40 billion drams approved by the government of the Republic of Armenia, provided that the investment is made in one location.

Notice: The suspected or accused person of the alleged crime is considered innocent until proven guilty by a final court ruling in accordance with the laws of the Republic of Armenia.