Following the legalization of online gambling in 2021 under the auspices of the Lotería de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires (LOTBA), Buenos Aires is now seeking to tighten control over the activities of gambling operators, both in establishments in the city and on the Internet.
The Buenos Aires legislature has amended the Codigo Contravencional to increase penalties for gambling violations. Deputies Paola Michielotto and Sergio Siciliano are actively working to strengthen legislation in this area, emphasizing the need to regulate access to games for people over 18 years of age, both on the Internet and in licensed establishments.
The concern is over the excessive exposure of minors to gambling advertising, particularly in digital media and at public events, including football matches. The purpose of the changes is to minimize the negative social and psychological consequences of gambling for minors.
Among the proposed measures are fines for businesses that allow people under 18 to participate in gambling. All establishments in Buenos Aires are required to follow rules prohibiting the participation of minors in games. Payment service providers will be required to confirm that customers are of age when making payments, with fines imposed for violations. Banks and financial institutions will be prohibited from transferring funds from the accounts of minors to gaming platforms. New advertising regulations require gambling warnings and age restrictions to appear on all advertising materials in the city.
Gambling and lotteries in Argentina are facing serious problems, mainly due to high inflation (211.4% per annum in 2023, the highest in 32 years). Therefore, in February, the Chamber of Official Lottery Agents (CAOLAB) in Buenos Aires called for urgent policy changes to mitigate the effects of inflation. CAOLAB emphasizes the need to increase competitiveness without government support. One proposal is to introduce live sports betting and video lottery terminals to offset losses, similar to what was done in Brazil last month when AMZ Loterias do Brasil opened the country's first video lottery hall .
Welcome to Gambling Consulting Authority (GCA) - Your Strategic Partner in Gambling Industry Advancement
