Debate Grows Over Milei’s Anti-Gambling Addiction Bill

Argentina.– May 27, 2026 – www.zonadeazar.com  Javier Milei’s government has introduced a bill aimed at combating gambling addiction and regulating online betting in Argentina. However, the proposal has triggered strong criticism from opposition sectors because it avoids restricting key aspects of the legal online gambling business, including advertising, sports sponsorships and promotional campaigns.

The initiative mainly focuses on increasing penalties against illegal operators and strengthening protections for minors.

Details / Context

The government’s proposal establishes prison sentences of up to six years for illegal online betting operators and also introduces sanctions for companies providing financial, technological or advertising services to unauthorised platforms.

However, licensed operators would still be allowed to advertise and sponsor sporting activities, provided that promotions do not associate betting with social success, employment opportunities or financial solutions.

Opposition lawmakers strongly criticised this aspect of the bill. Members of the Civic Coalition, including Maximiliano Ferraro and Mónica Frade, argued that the proposal “protects the online gambling business” and avoids targeting the industry’s main expansion mechanisms.

The debate also revives discussions around a separate bill approved in Argentina’s lower house in 2024 that sought to completely ban online betting advertising, a proposal that still awaits treatment in the Senate.

Impact

The discussion highlights political divisions over how Argentina should address the rapid growth of online betting. While the government prioritises fighting illegal platforms and protecting minors, opposition sectors argue that any regulation allowing mass advertising remains insufficient.

The bill also brings renewed attention to the economic importance of online betting for Argentine provinces, many of which authorised legal operators in order to increase tax revenues linked to digital gaming.

At the same time, concerns continue growing regarding the exposure of teenagers and young adults to betting content through social media, influencers and sports broadcasts.

Future Perspective

The initiative will now move to the Senate, where lawmakers must also decide the fate of the proposal seeking a complete ban on online betting advertising.

The debate is expected to become one of Argentina’s most sensitive political discussions involving online gaming, public health and digital regulation. Governors, sports clubs, licensed operators and regulatory authorities are all expected to play key roles in a debate combining taxation, advertising, addiction prevention and technological oversight.

🔗 Edited by: @_fonta www.zonadeazar.com