Comprehensive Bill Targets Gambling Advertising Nationwide
Argentina’s Chamber of Deputies has approved a groundbreaking bill to ban online betting advertisements, signaling a major effort to protect children and adolescents from the potential harms of gambling. The measure, passed during a special session on November 27, received overwhelming support, with 139 votes in favor, 36 against, and 59 abstentions.
The bill now advances to the Senate for further review, where stakeholders, including Argentinian football clubs, are expected to weigh in on its provisions.
Strict Advertising Restrictions
The legislation proposes sweeping restrictions on how gambling operators can promote their services. Article 8 explicitly prohibits the following forms of advertising and sponsorship:
- Digital and social media promotions
- Public road and outdoor advertisements
- Sports team and athlete sponsorships
- Naming rights for stadiums and training facilities
- Endorsements by celebrities, athletes, or fictional characters
Additionally, influencer-driven campaigns and welcome bonuses—common tools used to attract new players—would be banned. Operators must also implement biometric facial identification systems to prevent minors from accessing gambling platforms.
Despite these restrictions, Article 9 allows gambling-related advertisements in licensed gambling halls and lottery points. However, these must include the warning: “Compulsive gambling is harmful to you and your family.”
Tackling Underage Gambling
Argentina’s fragmented gambling regulations have long posed challenges, as each esubstation.com fitnessfoodonline.com furnitureskart.com indosiang.com listingtrips.com province independently oversees its gambling activities. This bill seeks to create a unified national standard, addressing the lack of a cohesive framework for gambling advertising.
Deputy Mónica Frade called for provinces to align with this national legislation, describing it as a vital step toward addressing the “legal vacuum” surrounding online gambling.
Deputy Silvana Giudici highlighted the urgency of the issue, noting that 78% of Argentina’s 14.6 million gambling users access illegal platforms. She emphasized the importance of biometric verification and parental involvement to shield young people from the risks of gambling addiction.
Next Steps and Industry Impact
The Senate will now deliberate on the bill, with input from various stakeholders, including football clubs, which often rely on gambling sponsorships. If passed, the legislation will significantly reshape Argentina’s gambling landscape, prioritizing public health over industry promotion.
This move aligns with growing global trends to regulate gambling advertisements, as countries aim to mitigate the societal impacts of online betting while protecting vulnerable populations.