Argentina Faces Growing Pressure to Pass Online Gambling Bill
Argentina.- 10 November 2026 | www.zonadeazar.com Argentina’s Senate is facing increasing pressure to advance legislation aimed at preventing gambling-related harm and restricting online betting advertising before ordinary parliamentary sessions conclude on 30 November.
The Catholic Church and opposition lawmakers are promoting new initiatives to accelerate consideration of a bill introducing advertising restrictions, identity verification requirements and stronger protections for minors.
Catholic Church Calls for Legislative Action
The Episcopal Commission for Social Ministry (CEPAS) has launched a petition supporting the proposed legislation.
In a letter sent to senators during October, the organisation called for discussions to resume and for lawmakers to reach the agreements necessary to approve the bill.
The commission highlighted the social consequences of gambling, particularly for children, teenagers and vulnerable communities.
The latest intervention follows previous appeals to Congress during 2024 and 2025.
Lawmakers Seek to Accelerate Discussions
A group of lawmakers led by Victoria Tolosa Paz has requested meetings with the Senate committees responsible for examining the proposal.
The bill already received approval from the Chamber of Deputies on 27 November 2024, with:
- 139 votes in favour.
- 36 votes against.
- 59 abstentions.
However, Senate approval is still required before the legislation can become law.
30 November Represents a Key Deadline
On 29 October, senators unanimously supported a motion introduced by Lucía Corpacci to prioritise consideration of the bill.
However, the procedural decision does not guarantee a vote or approval.
Ordinary parliamentary sessions will end on 30 November 2026, although the proposal will retain its parliamentary status until 1 March 2027.
Consideration during extraordinary sessions would require the executive branch to include the legislation on the parliamentary agenda.
Advertising and Sponsorship Restrictions
A central element of the proposal is the introduction of extensive restrictions on online gambling promotion.
The bill would prohibit:
- Advertising on television, radio and social media.
- Promotions involving influencers, athletes and celebrities.
- Gambling sponsorships on sports teams and kits.
- Advertising in stadiums and commercial naming rights for sports venues.
- Gambling promotions at concerts, festivals and cultural events.
- Welcome bonuses for new customers.
Advertising inside authorised gambling establishments would remain permitted, provided it included prominent health warnings and information about support services.
Biometric Verification and Protection of Minors
The legislation would also introduce new identity verification requirements.
Operators would be required to implement facial recognition systems connected to Argentina’s National Registry of Persons (RENAPER) to verify customers’ identity and age.
Checks would take place during registration, at the beginning of each session, during gameplay and before winnings are paid.
The objective is to prevent access by under-18s and strengthen safeguards across gambling platforms.
Restrictions on Credit Cards and Digital Wallets
The proposal would prohibit credit-card payments for online gambling.
Electronic wallets would only be permitted to use funds already available in customers’ accounts, without access to credit facilities.
Daily transaction limits would also be introduced.
Payment service providers would be required to implement measures preventing minors from using their platforms for gambling transactions.
National Self-Exclusion Register
Another proposed measure is the establishment of a National Self-Exclusion Register, integrating information from existing provincial systems.
The register would also cover jurisdictions without their own self-exclusion arrangements.
Operators would be required to identify registered individuals and prevent them from gambling until their exclusion period ended.
Industry Impact and Next Steps
Approval of the legislation could significantly reshape the commercial strategies of online gambling operators in Argentina, particularly regarding advertising, sports sponsorship and customer acquisition.
It would also introduce additional obligations covering identity verification, payment methods and consumer protection.
With support from social organisations and lawmakers, Argentina’s Senate faces a crucial period in determining the future of legislation that could substantially change how online gambling is promoted and operated across the country.
If senators introduce amendments, the proposal will return to the Chamber of Deputies for further consideration.
Edited by: Cristobal R.
