Argentina's Online Gambling Regulation: Addressing Addiction and Risks

The Government of Argentina submitted to Congress a bill for the regulation of online gambling and to combat gambling addiction, with special emphasis on minors, illegal betting platforms, and digital advertising related to gambling.

“Law on the Prevention of Gambling Addiction and Regulation of Online Gambling”

The initiative proposes creating a comprehensive framework for the regulation to prevent, address, and treat problematic consumption associated with digital betting, as well as tightening controls on unauthorized operators and platforms.

In the foundations of the project, the Executive Branch warns about the sustained growth of online gambling and the impact it generates, especially among children, adolescents, and young people due to the widespread use of mobile devices and social networks.

What the Executive’s project says

“The increase in betting and gambling, particularly among children and adolescents, poses challenges in terms of public health, prevention of problematic consumption, and protection of vulnerable groups,” states the bill sent to Congress.

The project has several central objectives:

• Regulation to prevent gambling addiction and problematic consumption
• Combat illegal betting platforms through effective regulation
• Protect minors in particular
• Restrict advertising and promotion of online gambling
• Coordinate actions between the Nation, provinces, and the City of Buenos Aires
• It also promotes prevention campaigns, educational programs, and assistance for people affected by compulsive gambling.

What is considered “online gambling”

The initiative defines online gambling as any activity carried out via the internet or digital devices whose outcome depends totally or partially on chance and grants monetary or equivalent prizes.

Included in this category are:

• Online casinos
• Sports betting
• Digital gaming platforms
• Gambling offered from abroad
• Advertising and promotion linked to online betting

Tougher penalties for illegal platforms

The initiative amends the Penal Code and establishes sentences of between 3 and 6 years in prison for those who manage, exploit, or market online gambling without official authorization. It also provides penalties for those who facilitate technological infrastructure, digital services, or advertising for illegal platforms.

In addition, the crime of illegal facilitation of online gambling is incorporated, with sentences of up to 4 years in prison for those who collaborate with clandestine operators.

Restrictions on advertising

The project also establishes strong limitations on online betting advertising.

It prohibits:

• Advertising of illegal platforms
• Promotion aimed at minors
• Use of influencers, celebrities, or athletes to promote betting
• Messages linking gambling with social or economic success
• Advertising associated with alcohol or tobacco consumption
• Restrictions apply to television, radio, digital platforms, social networks, public spaces, streaming, and any media outlet.
• Additionally, ENACOM may order the immediate suspension of content or advertising that violates the law.

Controls on banks, digital wallets, and web domains

The initiative also involves financial and technological agencies to block operations linked to illegal gambling.

The Central Bank must prevent banks, digital wallets, and payment providers from operating with unauthorized platforms, especially when transactions are carried out by minors.

Meanwhile, the National Securities Commission may require special controls from virtual service providers and fintech companies to detect suspicious operations linked to illegal betting.

The project also authorizes NIC Argentina to suspend domains of illegal online betting sites.

Prevention and educational campaigns

The law assigns the Ministry of Health, through SEDRONAR, the coordination of prevention and assistance policies on gambling addiction.

Measures include:

• Educational and awareness campaigns
• Training for teachers and families
• Research on problematic consumption
• Production of statistics
• Psychological and health assistance programs

The Government’s foundations

In the message sent to Congress, the Executive Branch argues that the rise of digital betting has created “new public health challenges” and forces the State to intervene with modern prevention and control tools.

The Government stresses that the expansion of illegal platforms and the lack of coordinated regulation among jurisdictions have favored the proliferation of clandestine gambling on the internet.

The text also warns that the speed at which digital technologies evolve requires faster and more coordinated responses among national agencies, provinces, and technology platforms.

“The measure seeks to consolidate a comprehensive approach that combines prevention, awareness, assistance, and institutional cooperation,” states the project signed by Javier Milei, Manuel Adorni, and Executive ministers.

Opposition criticism: “They protect the online gambling business”

National deputy of the Civic Coalition Maximiliano Ferraro strongly criticized the project sent by the Government and accused the administration of “siding with the lobby of betting companies.”

“Gambling addiction: they are gambling away the health and lives of thousands of children and families,” wrote the legislator on his social networks, where he claimed that the initiative “only pursues and sanctions illegal gambling,” while leaving intact the functioning of the formal online betting business.

Ferraro also argued that the project does not address the constant advertising of legal platforms nor the impact of digital promotions on minors and young people.