Buenos Aires Evaluates Total Online Gambling Ban and Multi-Bill Regulatory Framework
Lawmakers in Argentina’s Buenos Aires Province are weighing two distinct legislative tracks that could fundamentally reshape or end regulated online gambling in the jurisdiction, five years after the initial licensing regime was introduced. Driven by growing public concern over youth exposure and illegal market proliferation, the debate features both a complete prohibition bill and a comprehensive 27-initiative regulatory framework (megaproyecto).
The most severe measure, introduced by Senator Federico Fagioli and dubbed the "Lula Law," proposes repealing Chapter VIII of Law No. 15,079 to completely eliminate the province's online gambling licensing structure. If passed, the bill would ban online sports wagering, slots, roulette, blackjack, and poker while preserving traditional land-based lotteries. Modeled after recent prohibitionary pushes in Brazil, the proposal would require licensed operators to halt operations, cease all advertising and bonuses, block user access within 10 days, and return player balances within 30 days. However, legal analysts note that the measure faces significant constitutional hurdles and risks driving activity entirely into unregulated channels.
Concurrently, a specialized legislative committee established in February is finalizing a consolidated 27-initiative megaproyecto in the Chamber of Deputies aimed at curbing underage gambling and strengthening market enforcement. The proposed framework focuses on five core pillars: mandatory biometric identity verification via Argentina’s National Registry of Persons (RENAPER), strict youth-targeted advertising bans, mandatory player spending and time limits, and dedicated funding for addiction prevention services. Additionally, the legislation seeks to establish a specialized prosecutor's office in La Plata empowered to block illegal websites and freeze financial accounts facilitating unauthorized betting a measure backed by regulatory figures like Provincial Lottery and Casino Institute (IPLyC) President Gonzalo Atanasof, who estimates that 80% of current provincial gambling activity occurs on illegal platforms.
