Argentina Senate Moves Forward on Online Gambling Laws
On October 15, the Argentine Senate held its second plenary session to discuss a series of bills focused on regulating internet gambling and addressing problem gambling (ludopathy). This session followed earlier discussions in which 28 bills were introduced, including one already approved by the Chamber of Deputies.
Extensive Deliberations Across Key Committees
The session involved three main Senate committees: Health, General Legislation and Justice & Criminal Affairs, chaired by Senators Lucía Corpacci (Frente Nacional y Popular), Bartolomé Abdala (LLA) and Juan Carlos Pagotto (LLA), respectively.
A wide variety of stakeholders provided testimony, including psychiatrists, legal professionals, fintech and gaming sector officials, union leaders and young individuals with direct gambling experience. The aim was to ensure that the proposed legal framework considers diverse viewpoints and the practical realities of Argentina’s expanding online betting market.
Experts Highlight Prevention, Education, and Oversight
Presenters included Natalia Díaz (Director of Public Affairs, Argentine Fintech Chamber), Santiago Eraso Lomáquiz (Senior Director of Legal, Compliance, and Public Affairs at MODO), María Cecilia García (psychiatrist and educator), Guillermo Caín (Deputy Secretary, Argentine Federation of Casino Workers), Manuel Jiménez (General Secretary, San Juan Casino Workers’ Union) and Valentino, 21, who has remained gambling-free for 455 days.
Speakers collectively emphasized the urgent need for a comprehensive national approach that incorporates education, regulation and enforcement. While regulating online gambling is important, the illegal betting market poses the greatest risks, often exploiting digital payment systems to bypass detection.
Lomáquiz pointed out a key regulatory gap:
“Current digital wallet frameworks do not clearly identify who receives payments. The law must define recipients as well as payers to close the loopholes used by illegal gambling platforms.”
Collaboration for Effective Regulation
Senators and participants agreed that successful oversight requires cooperation between government bodies, private operators, sports organizations, families and civil society. Proposed initiatives include public awareness campaigns, limitations on sports sponsorship and advertising and support services for affected individuals.
Union representatives, including Caín and Jiménez, expressed support for state regulation of online gambling. They noted that regulation would not harm responsible operators but would provide protection for workers and consumers, while promoting transparency and fair competition.
Youth Protection and Advertising Restrictions
The Chamber of Deputies’ approved bill introduces restrictions on marketing, promotion and sponsorship of online gambling, particularly targeting minors. It also prohibits access to gambling for individuals under 18, covering both wagering and online games of chance.
Additional proposals under review focus on national prevention programs and public awareness campaigns to tackle online gambling addiction among children and adolescents, reflecting concerns over psychological and social impacts, especially given the accessibility through mobile apps and social media.
Advancing Modern Online Gambling Regulation
As the debate continues, the Senate’s integrated approach seeks to modernize gambling laws in line with digital-age challenges. By combining public health measures, consumer protection and technological oversight, lawmakers aim to balance market regulation with addiction prevention.
The resulting legislation could set a regional benchmark in online gambling oversight, emphasizing responsible gaming, prevention initiatives and protection of vulnerable groups in Argentina’s digital economy.
