Argentina, Determined to Implement Federal Gambling Protections

The Chamber of Deputies in Argentina has identified the key stakeholders and committees tasked with creating a federal framework to mitigate gambling harm and address problematic gambling behaviors.

Beginning Wednesday, November 13, a new “working project” will launch to develop federal protections, standards, and rights aimed at reducing gambling-related harm. 

Five Committees Have Been Chosen  

Five civic committees will contribute to this initiative: Addiction Prevention and Drug Trafficking Control, Social Action and Public Health, Communications and Information Technology, Criminal Legislation, and Families, Children, and Youth.

These committees will be responsible for crafting a consensus on policies for a federal bill that will be prioritized by the House of Representatives. 

The proposed bill seeks to replace existing provincial gambling laws with uniform federal regulations.

Why a Federal Bill Is Crucial 

Federal action has become increasingly necessary, especially following Buenos Aires’ recent updates to its Code of Contraventions in May, which imposed higher penalties on gambling operators and restricted gambling access to individuals over 18. 

Buenos Aires Chief of Government Jorge Macri decided to stop the issuance of new gambling licenses to enforce stricter age-related regulations.

These new restrictions, alongside tighter monitoring of gambling venues, were implemented after public health and education officials revealed concerning data saying that 34% of minors had bypassed age checks and engaged in gambling. 

While gambling regulation is currently handled at the provincial level, a federal bill is needed to establish national standards on gambling advertising restrictions, payment method limitations, and protections to prevent minors from accessing gambling.

An “Epidemic” of Compulsive Gambling

The Commission for Addiction Prevention’s president, Mónica Frade, is pushing for committee approval to make these protections part of federal law.

The committees will also review government proposals, including those from BA national deputy Maximiliano Ferraro, who supports measures to limit online gambling ads and introduce biometric verification to prevent minors from entering gambling venues. 

Ferraro has called attention to the “epidemic” of compulsive gambling, with emphasis on online gambling which has been worsened by Argentina’s economic challenges, affecting young people and families.

There is great urgency to finalize gambling protection policies, as stakeholders aim to establish a federal framework before the 2025 mid-term legislative elections, which could modify the composition of the Chamber of Deputies.

The City of Buenos Aires introduced its iGaming market in 2020, when the gambling regulator approved the expansion of online gambling activities across the city. 

This move laid the foundation for a thriving and competitive market. Since then, 11 gambling operators have obtained licenses and are now offering their services in the autonomous city.