Argentina Bill Aims to Curb Illegal Betting and Protect Youth

(AsiaGameHub) –   Argentina’s Congress is set to review a comprehensive reform bill aimed at strengthening oversight of online betting and classifying addiction as a public health issue. This proposal, endorsed by President Javier Milei, comes as digital gambling becomes increasingly prevalent. Officials point to a significant increase in accessibility, particularly among younger demographics, with payment apps and smartphones making betting more readily available than ever before.

Illegal Gambling Remains a Pressing Issue

Recent data supports the government’s concerns. Over one in four high school students reported engaging in real-money gambling within the past year, with online options proving particularly popular. The new bill identifies compulsive betting and excessive interaction with digital operators as growing problems. Consequently, it proposes a package of measures encompassing enforcement, prevention, penalties, and education.

A key objective is to shut down illegal operators. The government is proposing prison sentences of up to six years for individuals operating illegal platforms and penalties for businesses or individuals who facilitate these operations, whether through payment processing, advertising, or technical support. The aim is to dismantle not only the operators but also the supporting ecosystem surrounding these sites.

Advertising regulations are also slated for significant changes. Promotions for unlicensed platforms will be prohibited across all media, including social networks. The tone and placement of advertisements for licensed operators will be subject to closer scrutiny. Gambling should not be marketed to minors or presented as a path to financial security or social status. Additionally, links to imagery of tobacco or alcohol will be forbidden.

Awareness and Education Will Become Priorities

The bill also assigns new duties to state agencies. Telecommunications regulators will be responsible for blocking illegal domains and related content, while the central bank will work to disrupt financial flows connected to unlicensed platforms. Payment providers and financial institutions will be required to ensure that gambling services implement robust age-verification systems to prevent transactions involving minors.

Public health agencies will also play a crucial role. The bill includes provisions for awareness campaigns, educational programs in schools, and enhanced data collection to track evolving gambling behaviors. As part of this effort, treatment and support services will receive increased funding. The objective is to keep pace with industry advancements and prevent addiction.

Importantly, the government’s initiative does not seek to override Argentina’s federal structure, which allows provinces to retain a degree of authority over gambling regulation. Instead, it emphasizes coordination, recognizing that online platforms often operate across multiple jurisdictions in ways that local regulations alone cannot effectively address. If successful, this initiative could position Argentina as a leader in gambling regulation.