The country is clamping down on gambling advertising
Argentina is advancing efforts to reform gambling and betting regulations, following the approval of a new bill by the Chamber of Deputies. The legislation aims to address gambling addiction, regulate online gambling, and create a national framework for oversight. It passed with 139 votes in favor, while 36 opposed and 59 abstained.
The debate featured two competing proposals. The majority-backed version, supported by groups like Unión por la Patria and the Civic Coalition, calls for a unified model that provinces can adopt.
Legislator Mónica Frade stressed the need for consistent tools to mitigate gambling’s societal impact, while maintaining provincial authority over implementation. The minority-backed version, introduced by Silvana Giudici, emphasized stricter measures to protect young people, including advertising regulations and biometric controls to limit minors’ access.
One of the bill’s core provisions is a ban on gambling-related advertising and promotional activities, including influencer partnerships and welcome bonuses. These restrictions aim to reduce the normalization of gambling, particularly among vulnerable populations. Additional measures include a prohibition on gambling for individuals under 18 and enhanced oversight to tackle illegal online platforms, which attract nearly 78% of Argentina’s 14.6 million online gamblers.
The legislation also updates existing laws to incorporate strategies for addressing problematic gambling behaviors. Some lawmakers, like Rogelio Iparraguirre, view the initiative as a step toward addressing broader societal issues, especially those arising from emerging technologies. Others, such as Nadia Márquez, have expressed mixed views, supporting some measures but criticizing what they see as excessive regulations and limited solutions.
The bill now moves to the Senate, where further debate is expected. Its success will depend on balancing national regulations with provincial autonomy while effectively tackling gambling-related challenges.
Editor at the Big Blind, is a rising star in gambling journalism with a decade of experience, focusing on clear and accessible communication for a diverse audience.
