Legislation
Argentina – Coalition want advertising ban in province of Córdoba
By James - 22 February 2024
Lawmakers from the province of Córdoba belonging to coalition Juntos por el Cambio (Together for Change) have presented a bill proposing the prohibition of online gambling advertising and sponsorships in the province. They also want to implement a biometric data registry to prevent minors from accessing online gambling.
The bill proposes several modifications to Law 10.793, which regulates online gambling. Among these, certain modifications targets Article 20, concerning the advertising and promotion of gambling activities.
“The advertising, sponsorship, or promotion, under any modality, of gambling activities included in this law, even if they have prior authorizations from the Lottery [of Córdoba] to appear in advertising media, is prohibited,” the bill states.
The bill also proposes carrying out prevention campaigns warning against the harm of compulsive gambling, as well as the implementation of workshops and awareness sessions in educational institutions in the province.
The text also includes a modification regarding the fee obtained from granted online gambling licenses, directing half towards implementing “Programs for the Prevention of Gambling Addiction” and training on responsible gambling in schools, with the other half going towards financing social programs.
Provincial legislator Alejandra Ferrero warned that the participation of minors “has been increasing on virtual gaming platforms” and that, in response, the project seeks to incorporate a biometric data registry.
The legislators went on to say that: “The brutal growth of online gambling in Argentina and especially in the Province of Córdoba, worries mothers, fathers, teachers and specialists. It must be the State that limits the dangers of the digital environment and builds a responsible, participatory, safe and healthy future for all children and adolescents.”
The lawmakers also warned that since new online regulations went into effect in the province 15,608 players were registered on legal gaming platforms, who according to estimates bet 149.1 million pesos in just seven days.
Online gaming is now fully enabled in the territory of Córdoba after completing a 45 day trial period between November 21st and January 4th. Although eight pre-license agreements were awarded only four online betting platforms launched. Four companies pulled out mainly due to high licensing costs. Online betting is only permitted from devices located in the province of Córdoba and online gambling is distributed between four companies: Betsson, PlayCet, B-Play and Jugadón. Licenses are valid for 15 years and may not be renewed.
