LOTBA Strengthens Strategy Against Illegal Online Betting
Argentina.- 26 August 2026 | www.zonadeazar.com The Buenos Aires City Lottery presented its strategy for preventing and combating illegal online betting during the First International Conference on Online Betting Platforms.
The event brought together authorities, regulators and specialists to exchange experiences on enforcement, user protection and the emerging challenges created by illegal gambling in digital environments.
International Conference
The conference was organised by Universidad Austral and SICPA.
Discussions focused on different tools covering:
- Regulation.
- Enforcement.
- Prevention.
- User protection.
- Action against illegal platforms.
Risks affecting minors and young people were a central part of the agenda.
LOTBA Presents Enforcement Model
LOTBA President Jesús Acevedo participated in the panel “Role and Vision of Local and International Lotteries and Gambling”.
He presented Buenos Aires City’s experience in responding to the growth of illegal online betting.
The regulator highlighted the importance of strengthening enforcement and monitoring mechanisms to protect users and act against operators offering gambling without authorisation.
Cooperation Between Regulators
The panel also featured Ida López, President of the Argentine Association of State Lotteries, and Cecilia Valdés, Executive President of the Chilean Association of Gaming Casinos.
The session was moderated by Maximiliano Ruíz, Secretary of the Buenos Aires City Public Prosecutor’s Office.
Participation from Argentine and Chilean representatives created an opportunity to compare regulatory approaches and experiences across different jurisdictions.
Joint Strategy with FEJA
A dedicated section of the event focused on the Buenos Aires City Specialised Gambling Prosecutor’s Office.
LOTBA Secretary General Eva Frontera moderated the panel “Specialised Gambling Prosecutor’s Office (FEJA – CABA)”.
Ezequiel Domínguez, Juan Rozas and Rodrigo Branca participated as representatives of the bodies involved in investigating and combating illegal gambling.
Blocking Illegal Platforms
One of the principal enforcement tools presented was the blocking of illegal betting platforms.
The measure is designed to restrict access to websites operating without authorisation in the jurisdiction.
Blocking forms part of a broader strategy combining regulatory, judicial and preventative measures.
Pursuing Offenders
LOTBA and FEJA also work to identify and pursue individuals involved in the illegal operation of betting platforms.
Investigations can cover operators and other parties connected to the promotion or functioning of unauthorised sites.
The strategy aims to complement technical website disruption with direct action against those responsible.
Specialist Training
Another area of work involves specialist training designed to improve detection and responses to illegal gambling.
The programmes are intended to strengthen the capabilities of public bodies and professionals involved in investigations, prevention and enforcement.
Rapid changes across digital platforms require authorities to continually update knowledge and intervention methods.
Reparation Agreements
The authorities also highlighted reparation agreements among the mechanisms available within their enforcement strategy.
These tools form part of the wider approach developed jointly by LOTBA and FEJA in response to illegal gambling violations.
The combination of blocking, prosecution, training and legal mechanisms creates a multi-layered enforcement model.
Protecting Children and Young People
The event also included a dedicated discussion on the social impact of illegal gambling on children and adolescents.
Mayra Gallucci and María Cecilia García, members of LOTBA’s Gambling Conduct Sub-Management team, participated in the panel “Social Issues and Approaches to Users, Children and Young People”.
The session examined risks created by minors accessing illegal platforms and the need for comprehensive prevention policies.
Illegal Platforms Lack Safeguards
One of the major problems associated with the illegal market is the absence of regulatory mechanisms designed to protect players.
Unauthorised platforms may operate without adequate age verification, identity checks or Responsible Gambling tools.
For LOTBA, tackling these sites is therefore also a consumer-protection issue rather than solely an enforcement matter.
International Cooperation
The conference provided an opportunity to exchange experiences with specialists and organisations from different countries.
LOTBA emphasised the importance of stronger cooperation between regulators, judicial authorities and specialist institutions.
Because illegal online betting platforms can operate across borders, coordination between jurisdictions is increasingly important.
Industry Context
Illegal online betting has become one of the most significant challenges facing gambling regulators across Latin America.
Easy access to digital platforms, promotion through social media and difficulties identifying offshore operators all increase enforcement complexity.
Regulatory strategies are consequently moving towards models combining technology, judicial action, prevention and international cooperation.
Next Steps or Impact
LOTBA will continue developing its joint strategy with judicial and regulatory authorities to combat unauthorised betting platforms.
International exchanges can provide additional tools and experiences to strengthen oversight of the digital market.
Protecting minors, blocking illegal websites and coordinating with FEJA will remain central elements of Buenos Aires City’s approach to illegal online betting.
Editó: @fonta
