Buenos Aires Begins Debate on Comprehensive Online Gambling Reform
Argentina – 13 November 2026 – www.zonadeazar.com The Buenos Aires Provincial Chamber of Deputies began committee consideration on 12 November of a bill proposing substantial changes to online gambling regulation.
Introduced by lawmakers Facundo Tignanelli and Micaela Olivetto, the proposal includes stricter platform controls, advertising restrictions, new enforcement tools against illegal gambling and dedicated funding for gambling harm prevention.
The legislation contains 64 articles divided into seven sections and could receive a committee recommendation following preliminary discussions.
Legislative Debate Gets Under Way
The bill is being considered by the provincial Chamber of Deputies’ Committee on Gambling, Lotteries and Gambling Harm Prevention.
The discussions follow a committee appearance by Gonzalo Atanasof, President of the Buenos Aires Provincial Lottery and Casino Institute (IPLyC), who called for more effective legal tools to combat illegal gambling platforms.
The governing coalition is seeking to advance the legislation, although several opposition groups have not yet established their final positions.
So far, UCR + Cambio Federal has expressed support for the proposal’s preventive objectives while indicating that it will request amendments during the legislative process.
Biometric Verification and Access Restrictions
One of the bill’s central objectives is to strengthen identity and age verification requirements.
Online gambling platforms would be required to implement real-time facial biometric recognition during registration, login procedures and financial transactions.
Additional proposed measures include:
- A 24-hour account suspension following a user’s third login within one day.
- Prohibiting registration by individuals listed as delinquent child-support debtors.
- Restricting access to gambling websites through school and provincial government networks.
- Introducing additional safeguards against underage gambling.
These requirements would significantly change access conditions for licensed online betting services.
Advertising and Bonus Restrictions
The bill introduces substantial limitations on operators’ commercial and marketing activities.
Proposed measures include banning welcome bonuses and incentives linked to gambling frequency.
Furthermore, all gambling advertising, promotions and sponsorship arrangements would require prior authorisation from the IPLyC.
Approved advertisements would also need to display two mandatory warnings:
“Participation by individuals under 18 is prohibited” and “Betting is not a game”.
The aim is to reduce consumer exposure to gambling promotions, particularly among young people.
Specialised Prosecutor for Illegal Gambling
The legislation proposes establishing a Specialised Prosecutor’s Office for Illegal Online Gambling, with jurisdiction throughout Buenos Aires Province.
It also seeks to amend the provincial Criminal Procedure Code to enable faster precautionary measures.
These provisions would support investigations and accelerate action against platforms operating outside the authorised gambling market.
The initiative reflects regulatory concerns about illegal betting websites and the difficulties authorities face when intervening against unauthorised digital services.
New Contributions for Municipalities and Mental Health
One of the most significant financial provisions is the creation of a fund supported by licensed gambling operators.
Companies would be required to contribute an amount equivalent to 100% of their advertising and sponsorship expenditure.
The funds would be allocated as follows:
- 70% to Buenos Aires municipalities.
- 30% to the provincial Ministry of Health, supporting gambling harm prevention and treatment programmes.
The mechanism would introduce additional financial obligations for operators while generating resources for public policies addressing gambling-related harm.
Funding for Community Clubs and Athletes
The proposal also establishes dedicated funding for community organisations and sporting activities.
Resources would be distributed as follows:
- 85% to the Provincial Fund for the Development of Public Benefit and Sporting Organisations.
- 15% to scholarships for high-performance athletes from Buenos Aires Province.
The measure aims to direct part of the gambling sector’s financial contributions towards community clubs and provincial sporting programmes.
Additional Prevention Initiatives
During the same committee proceedings, lawmakers are also scheduled to consider four additional proposals introduced by representatives of different political groups.
These initiatives come from lawmakers associated with the Radical Civic Union, Civic Coalition, Renewal Front and Unión y Libertad.
The proposals focus on public awareness campaigns and educational programmes in provincial schools addressing the risks associated with online gambling.
The legislative debate therefore brings together different approaches to prevention and the protection of minors.
Next Steps and Industry Impact
The bill must progress through committee consideration and obtain the necessary legislative approvals before becoming law.
None of the proposed new obligations is currently in force.
For licensed operators in Buenos Aires Province, eventual approval would require adjustments to technology systems, advertising strategies and financial contributions.
Through biometric verification, marketing restrictions, a specialised prosecutor’s office and new funding for healthcare, municipalities and sport, Buenos Aires is debating reforms that could substantially reshape its regulated online gambling market.
Editó: @fonta
