YEREVAN. – Armenian MP dismissed reports saying he was allegedly beaten in one of Armenia’s casinos.

“Those who are ordering articles against me have two objectives: to cast dirt at me and the political party I represent [ruling Republican Party], as well as insult me as a man,” Vardan Ayvazyan told journalists on Friday.

As to his visit to casino, Ayvazyan said he is not ashamed of it.

“Who said that casino is a bad thing? Armenia’s law allows casinos, they pay a tax amounting 19 billion drams [over $50 million]. Are all casino visitors players? I am not playing. I have been to Las Vegas for 4 or 5 times but did not play there,” he said adding that people envy him.