Santa Fe Launches Online Betting Tender Framework
Santa Fe has formally advanced its move into regulated online gambling and sports betting following the publication of Law 14,427 in the province’s Official Gazette. The legislation confirms approval of both the regulatory framework for online gaming and the tender specifications that will govern the public bidding process for digital betting operators.
The new rules establish a multi-license model, allowing several operators to offer online sports betting under licences valid for 10 years. License holders will be required to contribute at least 15% of monthly gross profits to the province, with revenues directed to the Caja de Asistencia Social, ensuring gambling proceeds are linked directly to social funding mechanisms.
Unlike capped market models, Santa Fe is opting for an open licensing approach. Any bidder that satisfies the province’s legal, technical and financial criteria may be awarded a licence, meaning the total number of operators will depend on how many applications successfully meet the requirements.
Open market access paired with strict eligibility controls
The tender will be conducted through a single-stage evaluation process overseen by an Evaluation Commission, which will assess administrative compliance, technical capability and financial strength before licences are granted.
While entry numbers are unrestricted, participation thresholds are deliberately demanding. The tender documentation outlines extensive anti-money laundering measures, source-of-funds verification and minimum capital requirements that scale according to an applicant’s corporate structure. Overseas companies face an additional condition, as they may only participate through Temporary Unions (UTEs) formed with locally established partners.
Once licences are awarded, operators will be working to a tight deployment schedule. Platforms must be fully operational within 180 days, with contracts running for a decade and carrying the possibility of a one-time extension of up to 24 months.
Scope of betting activity and player eligibility
The regulatory framework authorises wagering on both current and future sporting events, provided each competition receives approval from the relevant enforcement authority in line with provincial law, decrees and tender provisions.
Initially, betting access will be limited to individuals physically located within Santa Fe, consistent with Argentina’s province-based regulatory model. However, the legislation leaves room for potential inter-provincial agreements that could expand participation at a later stage, subject to formal arrangements between jurisdictions.
Responsible gambling embedded in operational design
Santa Fe’s framework integrates responsible gambling requirements directly into platform operations rather than treating them as optional commitments. Licensed operators must deploy tools including self-exclusion mechanisms, betting limits, clear risk warnings and access to support services in line with provincial addiction-prevention standards.
The province will also retain full oversight of licensed systems. Tender terms grant Santa Fe continuous and unrestricted access to operators’ gaming platforms, allowing authorities to monitor wagers, payouts and fee calculations throughout the licence term.
