Argentina Advances Online Gambling Law Before Deadline
Argentina’s Senate has announced a full plenary session on October 1, 2025, to tackle the regulation of online gambling and measures addressing youth gambling risks. The session will bring together the Health, Justice and General Legislation Committees to expedite discussions before current bills lose parliamentary standing.
Uniting Multiple Legislative Proposals
Senator Lucía Corpacci, chair of the Health Committee, stressed the need for rapid progress to prevent the bill passed by the Chamber of Deputies in November 2024 from expiring. Alongside this bill, approximately 18 other proposals from senators across various political parties are awaiting debate. The plenary’s objective is to produce a unified report or amendments to return legislation to the lower house for final approval.
Corpacci noted that simultaneous referrals to multiple committees had slowed the process. “Coordination has helped reduce redundant committee reviews, but advancing the legislation requires convening the plenary,” she said.
Highlights of the Chamber of Deputies’ Approved Bill
The lower house’s draft includes key rules designed to regulate internet gambling and safeguard minors:
Prohibition of Advertising: Gambling ads, sponsorships and promotions on social media, sporting events and cultural programs are banned.
Control of Bonuses and Sponsorships: Welcome offers and sponsorship of athletes or teams are restricted, except in licensed venues with clear responsible gambling warnings.
Age Verification: Biometric checks are mandatory to ensure minors cannot access gambling platforms.
Restrictions on Payments: Use of credit cards for online gambling is prohibited to prevent overspending.
Responsible Gaming Features: Platforms must offer self assessment tools, time reminders and free access to support services.
National Self Exclusion (RENA): Citizens can opt to exclude themselves from internet gambling sites voluntarily.
Shutdown of Illegal Platforms: Courts can close unlicensed websites and the Central Bank can suspend payments to these platforms.
Significance of the Plenary Session
The plenary session will determine whether the legislation advances toward final ratification. Successful outcomes will allow bills to move forward, delays may lead to expiration, forcing lawmakers to restart deliberations. The current proposals will lose validity after November 30, 2025.
This legislative push reflects Argentina’s effort to modernize online gambling oversight, enhance youth protection and curb illegal operations. Coordinating regulators, lawmakers and civil society, the Senate aims to implement a framework that ensures both responsible gaming and legal compliance.
