Interactive
Argentina – ALEA calls for tighter control over online gaming
By Lewis - 8 June 2017
The Association of Lotteries, Pools and Casinos of Argentina (ALEA) has issued a statement clarifying its stance on online gaming and calling for more control over the industry. The statement comes in the wake of the growing controversy regarding the suspension of the online gaming site MisionBet which was first authorised by The Provincial Institute of Lotteries and Casinos of Misiones (IPLyC) to operate in 2016. The ALEA has requested the prompt resolution of the conflict and urged the provinces, which have the final say on how online gaming is run, to rally against all unlicensed offshore sites which are offering their services in Argentina.
“The ALEA demands the prompt resolution of the conflict caused by the closure of the betting site Misionbet.com.ar and ratifies the request made to the Public Prosecutor’s Office of the Nation and the Provinces, and to the competent authorities to firmly face the fight against all betting which takes place outside current regulations,” the ALEA said in a statement released yesterday (7th June).
The ALEA went onto say that the existence of illegal online gambling has been denounced by gaming state regulators on innumerable occasions. In addition the ALEA has put forward a series of measures and actions when it comes to regulating online gaming and has met with the Central Bank in order to discuss the importance of tightening restrictions on illegal payment methods, the prevention of money laundering and capital flight. Meetings have also been held with the Financial Information Unit and the Ministry of Internal Commerce in order to draw up specific regulations when it comes to online gaming.
“Regulated entities and authorised private companies are taxed through the payment of taxes, royalties and taxes . . . making a significant contribution to the provinces and the nation,” according to the statement. “In particular, online gambling marketed through illegal companies and, often, without being located in our country produces a resource leak that should be destined to alleviate the multiple needs of that jurisdiction where the bet is made.”
The board is also attempting to provide more control over the advertising of online gaming after an advert for an unlicensed gaming site was broadcast only last week on state television.
The ALEA’s statement comes after Buenos Aires prosecutor Martín Lapadú ordered that misionbet.com.ar, an online gaming site which is based in the province of Misiones, be closed arguing that it operated in contravention of local gaming laws. The site offered sports betting, online casino games and poker.
