Arpine Hovhannisyan's Alert: Three Betting Companies Sent Approximately 45 Million SMS in a Few Months

Former Minister of Justice Arpine Hovhannisyan has raised an alarm, indicating that betting companies operating in Armenia are sending out mass text messages with enticing content, despite the fact that their advertising is prohibited by law.

According to her, these companies have been sending texts promising bonuses and cashbacks to citizens. For example, one of the messages states: “Ayo henc duq: staceq 50% bonus virtual sportum… Sharunakir xaghal ev stacir avelin.”

Hovhannisyan noted that three major betting companies have sent out approximately 45 million messages, including SMS, emails, and other notifications, to both active and passive users registered on their sites over the past few months. She mentioned that even users who registered only once continue to receive similar messages, which can hinder their ability to make informed decisions.

The lawyer has raised the question of whether the sending of such messages should also be banned, similar to the prohibition on betting advertisements established in 2022.