Buenos Aires Province is considering two major legislative initiatives that could reshape Argentina’s online gambling market. One proposal would introduce a sweeping ban on online betting and casino games, while a separate initiative seeks to strengthen player protection, advertising controls and enforcement against illegal gambling.
The debate follows Brazil’s decision to ban regulated online gambling in September 2026 and growing concerns about underage betting in Argentina. The province launched its regulated online gambling market only five years ago, making the proposed changes a significant potential reversal of its regulatory approach.
The Proposed “Lula Law”
Senator Federico Fagioli has introduced legislation known as the “Lula Law”. It would repeal Chapter VIII of Provincial Law No. 15,079, effectively dismantling Buenos Aires Province’s existing online gambling licensing framework.
The proposed ban would cover online sports betting, slots, roulette, blackjack and poker, while traditional lotteries and prize draws would remain permitted. Licensed operators would be prohibited from accepting new deposits and required to return customer balances. Advertising, promotional bonuses and sponsorships would also be banned.
However, the proposal faces potential constitutional challenges, and lawmakers have not yet scheduled a vote.
A Separate Initiative Focuses on Player Protection
Meanwhile, the provincial Chamber of Deputies is working on a broader legislative package that consolidates 27 separate proposals. Its priorities include stronger identity verification, restrictions on advertising, gambling limits, action against illegal operators and funding for prevention and treatment programmes.
Potential measures include biometric identity checks using facial recognition and Argentina’s National Registry of Persons, mandatory self-exclusion tools, and limits on gambling expenditure and playing time. The package could also establish a prosecutor’s office in La Plata with powers to investigate illegal gambling, block websites and pursue financial accounts connected to unauthorised betting.
The legislation remains under negotiation, particularly over financing and enforcement.
Illegal Gambling Remains a Central Concern
Gonzalo Atanasof, president of Buenos Aires Province’s Institute of Lotteries and Casinos, has estimated that 80% of gambling activity in Argentina takes place illegally.
Legal experts have warned that a blanket prohibition could push more consumers towards unregulated platforms, reducing oversight, tax revenue and player safeguards. The competing proposals therefore reflect a wider policy debate: whether prohibition or stronger enforcement of a regulated market offers the more effective response to underage gambling and illegal betting.
No final decision has been reached, leaving operators facing considerable regulatory uncertainty.
Comments
This action can't be undone.