Argentina: IPLyC Warns of Illegal Sites Imitating Licensed Betting Platforms
Argentina.- 26 August 2026 | www.zonadeazar.com The Buenos Aires Provincial Institute of Lotteries and Casinos has warned of a new method being used by illegal betting operators to attract customers by imitating authorised platforms.
The websites reproduce login screens and visual elements belonging to licensed operators before redirecting users towards illegal betting platforms.
Two Illegal Sites Reported
IPLyC has already filed complaints against two illegal websites that used Stake’s branding as their entry screen.
Stake is one of the operators authorised to provide online betting legally within Buenos Aires Province.
The scheme seeks to exploit the credibility of a regulated brand and make users believe they are entering a legitimate platform.
Deliberate Attempt to Mislead Users
The regulator said the issue goes beyond an operator simply providing gambling without authorisation.
The method involves deliberately misleading consumers by using the visual identity of a regulated operator as a façade.
Once users interact with the site, they are redirected towards domains outside the authorised market.
Investigation Triggered by Complaint
The investigation began following a complaint by national deputy Maximiliano Ferraro.
Ferraro identified a website that had been created using his name and redirected visitors to a page designed to resemble Stake.
The discovery triggered an investigation by the provincial regulator.
Redirected to Illegal Platforms
According to the investigation, clicking on the fake site initially redirected the user to an illegal platform.
When attempting to place a bet, the customer was subsequently directed to another unauthorised betting website.
The process makes it more difficult for users without technical knowledge to immediately recognise that they have left the environment of a regulated brand.
Immediate Blocking Requested
Personnel from the Buenos Aires Provincial Institute of Lotteries and Casinos identified the domains involved.
The regulator subsequently requested their immediate blocking.
The measure is intended to restrict access and prevent additional users from being targeted through the scheme.
Seven Authorised Platforms
IPLyC reminded consumers that only seven platforms are authorised to provide online betting within Buenos Aires Province.
They are:
- Bet365.
- Betano.
- Betsson.
- Betwarrior.
- Bplay.
- Sportbet.
- Stake.
The regulator recommends that online betting activity be conducted exclusively through these licensed platforms.
Regulated Market Safeguards
Licensed operators are required to comply with controls established by the provincial regulator.
These include:
- Player identification.
- Operational controls.
- User verification.
- Restrictions preventing access by minors.
Such safeguards are not necessarily present on illegal platforms.
Consumer Risks
Using regulated brands as a façade adds another level of risk to illegal betting.
Consumers may believe they are gambling on a platform subject to regulatory safeguards when they are in fact providing personal information or money to an unauthorised operator.
The technique can also make fraud and other unlawful practices harder to detect at an early stage.
Protecting Licensed Brands
The case also presents a challenge for regulated operators.
Unauthorised use of brand names, designs and other visual assets can damage consumer trust and create reputational risks.
Rapid identification of these schemes is therefore important in preserving a clear distinction between licensed and illegal gambling.
Industry Context
Illegal online betting remains one of the main regulatory challenges facing Argentina.
New acquisition methods are forcing provincial authorities to combine website blocking with digital monitoring and consumer-information campaigns.
The imitation of licensed platforms also illustrates how illegal operators are adapting their methods to exploit trust created by the regulated market.
Next Steps or Impact
IPLyC will continue investigating the identified domains and requesting blocking measures against platforms operating without authorisation.
The regulator will also continue publicising the seven licensed platforms in Buenos Aires Province to help consumers identify legal betting options.
The emerging scheme increases the importance of checking website domains and operator identities carefully before depositing funds or placing online bets.
Editó: @fonta
