Argentina’s Chamber of Deputies has taken a significant step toward curbing the influence of online gambling by approving a bill to ban advertisements for online betting. The move, aimed at shielding children and adolescents from the harms of gambling, was approved during a special session on November 27. The measure received 139 votes in favor, 36 against, and 59 abstentions.

The proposed legislation will now move to the Senate for further deliberation, where it will be subject to additional scrutiny, including input from stakeholders such as Argentinian football clubs.

Key Provisions of the Bill

The bill outlines sweeping restrictions on how online gambling operators can advertise and promote their services. Article 8 prohibits all forms of advertising, sponsorship, and promotion of online betting across various communication platforms, including:

  • Digital and social media platforms
  • Public roads and outdoor spaces
  • Sports sponsorships, including team and athlete endorsements
  • Naming rights for sporting venues such as stadiums or training centers

Additionally, testimonials from public figures, athletes, celebrities, or fictional characters will also be banned. Influencer-driven advertising and promotional campaigns for gambling services will fall under these restrictions.

Moreover, welcome bonuses—a popular tool used by operators to attract new users—would no longer be allowed. Operators would also be required to implement biometric facial identification to ensure minors cannot access their platforms.

Article 9, however, permits gambling-related advertisements within licensed gambling halls and lottery sales points. These advertisements must include a clear cautionary message: “Compulsive gambling is harmful to you and your family.”

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Addressing Underage Gambling

Argentina has long struggled with fragmented gambling regulations, as each province is responsible for overseeing gambling activities within its borders. The bill aims to establish a unified, national framework to regulate advertising and mitigate gambling’s social impact, particularly on minors.

Deputy Mónica Frade emphasized the importance of creating a comprehensive legal framework for gambling advertising, urging provinces to align with this national standard. She described the bill as a tool to address the current “legal vacuum” surrounding online gambling regulation.

Deputy Silvana Giudici underscored the urgency of the matter, citing that 78% of Argentina’s 14.6 million gambling platform users access illegal websites. She stressed the need for better access controls, including biometric verification, and greater parental oversight to prevent young people from falling prey to gambling.

Source:

“Argentina chamber of deputies approves bill to ban online betting ads“, igamingbusiness.com, December 2, 2024.