Buenos Aires Proposes Biometrics and Online Gambling Limits
Argentina.- 24 July 2026 www.zonadeazar.com Buenos Aires provincial deputy Mayra Mendoza has introduced a bill seeking to establish new operating requirements for authorised online betting platforms in the province.
The proposal includes mandatory facial recognition, restrictions on session duration and frequency, permanent displays showing time and money wagered, and penalties for operators that fail to comply with the proposed rules.
News Details
The bill would apply to every platform authorised by the Buenos Aires Provincial Institute of Lotteries and Casinos, including Bet365, Betano, Stake, Betsson, Betwarrior, Bplay and Sports.bet.
One of its principal measures would establish a maximum session length of 60 minutes. Once that period expires, the system would automatically close the account and prevent the user from logging in again for at least one hour.
It would also limit customers to three logins within each 24-hour period. Once the maximum is reached, the platform would have to block access until the following day and display a responsible-gambling warning.
Operators would also be required to display the elapsed time and total amount wagered continuously. When systems identify behaviour that could indicate a loss of control, they would have to issue alerts capable of interrupting the user’s navigation.
Industry Context
The proposal introduces real-time biometric verification through facial recognition. The mechanism would be compulsory for logging in, making deposits or withdrawals and placing bets above a minimum amount to be defined by secondary regulations.
Operators failing to comply could face financial penalties, temporary licence suspensions or the permanent revocation of their provincial authorisation.
The provincial Executive would appoint the enforcement authority, define the technical requirements and establish an implementation timetable of no more than 90 days.
Statements
Mayra Mendoza said cyber-related gambling harm had become a complex problem affecting all age groups, with particularly serious consequences for teenagers and young adults.
She also argued that legislation must be updated to reflect new technological dynamics and provide a framework that prioritises citizens’ wellbeing.
Next Steps or Impact
The bill must now be considered by the Gambling, Lottery and Gambling Harm Prevention Committee of the Buenos Aires Chamber of Deputies.
It also proposes a permanent monitoring working group bringing together legislators, specialists and civil-society organisations to assess implementation and recommend future changes.
Should the proposal advance, authorised platforms would have to make significant adjustments to their identity-verification systems, session controls, behavioural monitoring and customer communications.
Edited by: @_fonta
