Argentine Senate Continues Debate on Online Gambling Regulation Amidst Calls for Action

Federal Bill Seeks to Curb Online Gambling Risks

The Argentine Senate is currently engaged in a critical debate over a federal bill aimed at regulating online gambling and addressing the growing issue of compulsive gambling. This legislation, known as the 'Bill for the Prevention of Gambling Addiction,' received significant support in the Chamber of Deputies, passing on November 27, 2024, with 139 votes in favor, 36 against, and 59 abstentions. It subsequently moved to the Senate for further review and approval.

The proposed law seeks to establish a national framework for internet gaming, emphasizing consumer protection and public health. Its core objectives include safeguarding vulnerable populations, particularly minors, and mitigating the pervasive influence of gambling advertising. The urgency of this debate is underscored by reports indicating a rise in gambling addiction, especially among young people, and the proliferation of both legal and illegal online platforms across the country.

Key Provisions of the Legislation

The federal bill outlines several stringent measures designed to control the online gambling landscape:

• Advertising Restrictions: A comprehensive, nationwide ban on gambling advertising across all media channels, including television, online platforms, and public spaces. This prohibition extends to gambling sponsorships for sports teams, stadiums, or public events, as well as promotional tactics such as welcome bonuses and the involvement of social media influencers.
• Minors Protection: The mandatory implementation of biometric identification systems to rigorously prevent individuals under the age of 18 from accessing online gambling platforms. This aims to create a secure environment and shield minors from the risks associated with internet gaming.
• Responsible Gaming Tools: Provisions for responsible gaming, including a cap on daily deposits by punters, the establishment of a National Self-Exclusion Registry, and requirements for operators to display reminders about time spent on sites and warnings about health risks.

These measures collectively aim to create a safer online gambling environment and address the societal impact of problem gambling.

Legislative Hurdles and Broader Implications

Despite its passage in the Chamber of Deputies, the bill has encountered significant delays in the Senate. As of October 2025, it remains under review by the Health Committee and has yet to be examined by the Committees of General Legislation, Justice, and Criminal Affairs. Concerns have been raised that the bill could lose its parliamentary status if not advanced promptly.

The legislative process is further complicated by several factors:

• Federalism vs. National Regulation: The bill's national scope has sparked debate regarding provincial autonomy, as gambling regulation has historically been managed at the provincial level. Many provinces have their own established frameworks, and the federal initiative threatens to override these existing structures.
• Presidential Opposition: President Javier Milei has publicly expressed his intention to veto the bill, advocating for deregulation and emphasizing individual freedoms. His administration has reportedly been working on a less restrictive alternative.
• Industry Lobbying: Organizations such as the Association of Lotteries, Casinos and Quinielas of Argentina (ALEA) have actively lobbied against certain aspects of the bill, particularly the extensive advertising restrictions.

In response to the federal delays, some provincial entities, such as the Province of Buenos Aires, have begun pursuing their own legislative initiatives to regulate online gambling and protect minors, highlighting the fragmented nature of current regulatory efforts. The Senate's Health, General Legislation, and Justice committees held a plenary meeting on October 15, 2025, where specialists, technology company representatives, and affected youth shared their perspectives, underscoring the ongoing efforts to find a comprehensive and effective solution to this complex issue.