Bullrich Confirms Senate Debate on Argentina’s Online Gambling Bill
Argentina.- 10 November 2026 | www.zonadeazar.com Patricia Bullrich, leader of the governing bloc in Argentina’s Senate, has confirmed that lawmakers will debate legislation aimed at preventing gambling-related harm among minors and restricting online betting advertising in the coming weeks.
The announcement, made on 6 November 2026, follows growing pressure from social organisations, healthcare representatives, lawmakers and the Catholic Church.
The proposal has held approval from the Chamber of Deputies since November 2024 and faces an important legislative deadline before the end of the month.
Bullrich Confirms Parliamentary Debate
Through her social media accounts, Bullrich announced that she would support consideration of the legislation.
The senator expressed concern about the consequences of gambling-related harm among children and confirmed that the Senate would examine the proposal in the coming weeks.
The announcement represents a significant development for legislation that has seen limited parliamentary progress since receiving approval in the lower house.
However, no specific date has been confirmed for the debate, and approval is not guaranteed.
Catholic Church Launches Petition
The Episcopal Commission for Social Ministry (CEPAS) has launched a public petition through Change.org calling for the legislation to be approved.
The initiative follows repeated appeals from the Argentine Episcopal Conference for stronger measures to address gambling-related problems among minors.
The campaign seeks to prevent the proposal from losing its parliamentary status and having to restart the legislative process.
The issue gained further attention ahead of Pope Leo XIV’s visit to Argentina.
Opposition Lawmakers Request Urgent Meetings
A group of deputies led by Victoria Tolosa Paz, Chair of the Committee on Addiction Prevention and Drug Trafficking Control, has requested meetings with the Senate committees responsible for examining the bill.
The request was addressed to:
- Ivanna Arrascaeta: Health Committee.
- Nadia Márquez: General Legislation Committee.
- Gonzalo Guzmán Coraita: Justice and Criminal Affairs Committee.
The letter was also signed by Mónica Frade, representing the Civic Coalition, and ten additional lawmakers, primarily from Unión por la Patria.
The objective is to accelerate committee consideration and enable a potential vote in the Senate.
Legislation Consolidates 28 Proposals
The bill received approval from the Chamber of Deputies on 27 November 2024.
Its development involved:
- 28 legislative proposals consolidated into one bill.
- Five committees within the Chamber of Deputies.
- 48 specialists who contributed evidence during the proceedings.
The legislation passed with 139 votes in favour, 36 against and 59 abstentions.
Lawmakers supporting its consideration argue that allowing the bill to expire would mean restarting a legislative process developed over several years.
Restrictions on Gambling Advertising
A central element of the proposal concerns commercial communications promoting online betting platforms.
The proposed measures include:
- Prohibition of online gambling advertising across media and digital platforms.
- Restrictions on promotions involving influencers and athletes.
- A ban on gambling-related sports sponsorships.
- Removal of welcome bonuses.
- Stronger identity and age verification requirements.
If enacted, these provisions would significantly change operators’ commercial strategies.
Differences Within the Governing Coalition
Bullrich’s announcement has also attracted attention within Argentina’s national government.
According to reports concerning the political discussions, the senator communicated her decision to the governing bloc without securing prior agreement from the executive branch.
The legislation had not been included among the principal parliamentary priorities announced by President Javier Milei’s administration.
Consequently, the proposed debate could generate further discussions within the governing bloc.
Senate Faces Important Deadline
Argentina’s ordinary parliamentary session will conclude on 30 November 2026.
The approaching deadline increases pressure on the relevant committees to advance the legislation and enable a vote.
Although Bullrich has confirmed her intention to pursue the debate, the necessary parliamentary agreements remain to be reached.
The bill has not yet received final approval.
Industry Impact and Next Steps
The announcement represents a development for organisations supporting stronger restrictions on online betting advertising and increased protection for minors.
For gambling operators, the legislation could introduce important changes to advertising, sports sponsorships, promotional offers and access controls.
With approval from the Chamber of Deputies dating back to November 2024 and Patricia Bullrich now supporting its consideration, Argentina’s online gambling and addiction prevention bill has returned to the centre of the Senate’s legislative agenda.
The coming weeks will determine whether the initiative can advance before the end of the ordinary parliamentary session.
Edited by: Cristobal R.
