YEREVAN. – The proprietors of the gaming halls in Armenia’s capital city Yerevan were hoping that, just like last year, the activity period of the casinos would be extended for at least six months in 2014; but it did not happen, Zhamanak daily reports.

“Instead, the change in legislation came into force after January 1, 2014, pursuant to which the Yerevan-based casinos will primarily close down.  

“According to Zhamanak’s information, these days around thirty gaming halls are either busy with handing over the area or relocating, and most of all, turning into night clubs.  

“The owner of a casino, which operated for about thirteen years, told Zhamanak that as a result of the closure of the casinos, 3,000-5,000 people have become unemployed,” Zhamanak writes.