Argentina Advances Online Gambling Regulation Bill
### Key Points at a Glance
Argentina has taken an important step toward reforming its gambling laws. A new bill passed by the Chamber of Deputies aims to regulate online gambling, combat gambling addiction, and introduce a national monitoring system. The reform includes measures such as a ban on advertising gambling services, protection for minors, and actions against illegal platforms. However, implementation will be left to the provinces. The bill will now proceed to further discussions in the Senate.
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Unified Regulation for Online Gambling
The approved legislation provides a framework for unified regulation of online gambling in Argentina. Provinces can decide whether to adopt this model. The goal is to establish clear standards to mitigate the societal impacts of gambling. According to Deputy Mónica Frade, a unified approach is necessary to address gambling-related issues effectively without infringing on provincial autonomy.
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Strict Measures to Protect Minors
A central aspect of the law is the protection of minors and vulnerable groups. Access to gambling platforms will be entirely prohibited for individuals under 18 years of age. Additionally, biometric control systems are to be introduced to ensure compliance with age restrictions. Deputy Silvana Giudici also proposed stricter regulation of advertising and bonuses to reduce the appeal of gambling to young people.
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Advertising Ban and Restrictions
The legislation includes a comprehensive ban on gambling advertising. This also extends to partnerships with influencers, who often target younger audiences. The aim is to prevent the normalization of gambling in society and protect particularly vulnerable groups. However, these measures have faced criticism, as they may limit the reach of legal operators.
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Combating Illegal Platforms
Another key focus is the fight against illegal online gambling platforms, which reportedly account for around 78% of Argentina’s online gambling market. The law aims to equip authorities with more tools to crack down on these platforms and regulate the market.
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Controversy and Further Discussions
While the bill received broad support, there are also critical voices. Some deputies, such as Nadia Márquez, argue that the new regulations are too restrictive and may not solve all problems. Others, like Rogelio Iparraguirre, see the reform as an opportunity to address social challenges associated with gambling. The bill will now continue to be debated in the Senate, where additional changes may be made.
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Our Assessment
The planned gambling reform in Argentina is a significant step toward regulating the rapidly growing online gambling sector while minimizing social risks. Particularly noteworthy are the measures to protect minors and combat illegal platforms. However, balancing national regulation with provincial autonomy remains a challenge. The outcome will depend on how the Senate advances the discussion and whether the proposed measures can be effectively implemented in practice.