House of Deputies approves advertising ban and other measures to prevent gambling addiction in Argentina
Following a debate, the Chamber of Deputies took a significant step last night to regulate online gambling at the national level and prevent gambling addiction, particularly among children and adolescents. The initiative was passed with 139 votes in favour from parties including Unión por la Patria, Encuentro Federal, the Civic Coalition, and other opposition blocs, while 36 votes were against (from La Libertad Avanza) and 59 abstentions (from PRO, UCR, and MID). The bill must now proceed to the Senate for further approval.
The approved legislation prohibits advertising, promotion, and sponsorship of online gambling across various platforms, including social media, influencers, sports apparel, billboards on public roads, as well as print, radio, and television media. It also addresses future media that may emerge due to technological advancements. Additionally, the law bans “welcome bonuses,” and forbids sponsorship of sports teams or individual athletes, as well as promotion at sporting events, concerts, and festivals.
Crucially, the bill prevents access to betting sites for individuals under 18 years old. Operators of online gaming platforms are required to implement biometric verification systems to confirm the identity and age of users, including for virtual wallet transactions.
Platforms will also be mandated to display reminders about time spent on their site, encouraging users to take breaks, along with warnings about health risks and helplines. The legislation also establishes a National Self-Exclusion Registry (ReNA) that allows individuals to opt out voluntarily or through family members, preventing them from accessing gambling platforms.
To operate within Argentina, companies must be legally incorporated, have a physical presence, and comply with local commercial and tax laws. Many current operators are registered in jurisdictions such as Malta, Belgium, and Greece, with only a few based locally. Since the licensing of online operators began in Argentina in 2018, approximately 250 licenses have been issued.
Lastly, the legislation limits payment methods for online betting to bank debit cards and electronic or virtual wallets with funds only available in the account. Both payment methods will be subject to daily limits equivalent to the withdrawal limits set by banks or financial institutions. Credit cards and payment methods linked to accounts established at the request of social welfare programme Anses are prohibited.
However members of the The Libertarian Party made it clear that they would not vote in favour of the bill. “We agree on prohibiting betting for minors. However, I cannot dictate how another adult should behave; we cannot establish what kind of life they want to lead. We will not support it because we do not agree with the final product,” said Nadia Marquez, the main spokesperson for the ruling party on the issue.
“We believe that the regulations are excessive. We need simplification to create a more practical rule that considers provincial jurisdictions,” she said.
