Buenos Aires: Lawmaker Proposes “Lula Law” to Ban Online Betting
Argentina.- 20 October 2026 | www.zonadeazar.com Buenos Aires provincial senator Federico Fagioli, representing Fuerza Patria, has introduced legislation proposing a complete prohibition of online betting across Buenos Aires Province, following the restrictions recently implemented in Brazil.
The proposal, known as the “Lula Law”, would eliminate online sports betting and casino games, including slots, roulette, blackjack and poker.
The initiative introduces a more restrictive alternative to other legislative proposals currently seeking to strengthen gambling regulation within the province.
Revoking Licences and Prohibiting Online Gaming
The bill proposes repealing Chapter VIII of Law 15,079, which regulates online gambling in Buenos Aires Province, effectively cancelling existing licences.
The proposed prohibition would cover:
- Sports betting, including pre-match and in-play markets.
- Online casino games, including slots, roulette, blackjack and poker.
- Betting on virtual events or games primarily determined by chance.
- Other digital gambling activities involving financial stakes and potential monetary returns.
Lotteries, traditional number games and prize draws would remain permitted, alongside electronic products that do not involve monetary wagering.
Fagioli argued that the continuous availability of digital gambling platforms requires authorities to reconsider whether the existing licensing system provides sufficient protection against gambling-related harm.
Deadlines for Closing Online Operations
The proposal establishes a phased process for implementing the prohibition if approved.
Immediately upon implementation, affected operators would be prohibited from accepting new deposits or transfers intended for gambling activities.
Within 10 days, companies would be required to:
- Prevent new gaming sessions.
- Withdraw promotions, bonuses and sponsorships.
- Suspend online gambling advertising.
- Block access for users located in Buenos Aires Province.
Within 30 days, operators would have to refund all available player account balances.
They would also need to submit detailed reports to the Provincial Lottery and Casino Institute (IPLyC) covering account balances, outstanding wagers, winnings and refunds.
Advertising Restrictions and Legislative Debate
The legislation also proposes a comprehensive ban on online gambling advertising, covering influencer campaigns, affiliate programmes, promotions and discount codes.
The initiative joins a wider legislative debate involving more than 22 bills in the provincial Chamber of Deputies and at least three in the Senate.
Meanwhile, the Chamber of Deputies is examining a consolidated proposal focused on stronger regulation and problem gambling prevention rather than a complete ban.
Lawmaker Facundo Tignanelli has personally expressed support for prohibiting online betting, although he argued that such a measure would require national legislation.
Against this background, Gonzalo Atanasof, President of the IPLyC, is scheduled to address provincial lawmakers on 19 October to answer technical and regulatory questions.
Next Steps and Impact
The proposed “Lula Law” remains draft legislation and does not currently alter existing gambling licences.
If approved, it would significantly change the operating environment for licensed online sportsbooks and casino operators in Buenos Aires Province.
The debate also raises questions concerning consumer protection, illegal gambling enforcement and provincial regulatory authority.
For Argentina’s iGaming industry, the proposal introduces a major discussion about maintaining a regulated online gambling market or moving towards complete prohibition.
Editó: @fonta
