Bill in Argentina Proposes Gambling Ads Ban, Prohibition of Bonuses

Argentina is currently among the countries that enable the regulation of gambling on a local level. This otherwise means that different provinces govern gambling on their own, similar to other regulatory models such as the one in the United States, for example.

However, new legislation seeks to impose a country-wide regulatory framework, proposing tough restrictions on gambling advertising and bonuses. Besides changes to gambling ads, the bill features enhanced conditions for opening accounts. The ultimate goal of the proposal, Agenda No. 661, is to reduce problem gambling and harm while preventing minors from accessing gambling activities.

Argentina’s Chamber of Deputies Passes Bill Calling for Tough Gambling Restrictions

As confirmed by local media reports, the proposal recently gained significant traction after passing the country’s Chamber of Deputies. The bill that calls for additional restrictions on gambling ads across Argentina received approval from 139 legislators. Some 36 lawmakers voted against the proposal, while 59 abstained.

Following the passing at the Chamber of Deputies, the proposal will now seek the approval of the country’s Senate. In case lawmakers greenlight the bill and it is enacted as a law, it may disrupt already established gambling sponsorships in Argentina. For example, River Plate currently has a sponsorship deal with Codere, while Betsson is a partner of the Boca Juniors. Still, it is is yet to be seen whether specific provisions would be implemented to ensure the transition to the newly proposed model.

However, the bill comes at a time when fears about the impact of gambling harm and the access of minors to such activities continue to mount. The announced bill comes after last month, a new investigation was launched after Ivan Buhajeruk, a social media influencer popular on YouTube known as “Spreen,” joined a match featuring one of the country’s top-flight teams, Deportivo Riestra.

The Bill Proposes a Gambling Ban, Biometric Verification, Prohibition of Welcome Bonuses

Under the proposal, the promotion and advertising of online gambling platforms will be completely prohibited. The bill calls for a blanket ban on such ads, affecting retail outlets, social media and online platforms.

At the same time, the proposal seeks to end all gambling sponsorships, prohibiting teams and athletes from signing agreements with gambling companies and preventing celebrities or other public figures from promoting gambling.

While gambling advertising would be banned, an exception will be made for lottery retail outlets and licensed gambling halls. Such businesses will have the ability to promote their services but only if their advertisements include a warning message about the dangers of gambling.

Notably, the bill calls for the prohibition of any welcome bonuses or similar incentives. To help prevent underage gambling and combat harm among the youngest, the proposal would require gambling operators to implement biometric verification. Using such systems, gambling companies would help restrict the access of underage individuals to their platforms.