The National Congress of Argentina is set to review a federal project aimed at restricting gambling advertising across all 23 provinces.
Defensoria del Pueblo y la Nacion, Argentina’s independent ombudsman, has submitted this draft proposal. The project responds to growing concerns from provincial governments and authorities about the widespread exposure to gambling ads on national media and online platforms.
The Argentine government is particularly worried about the rise in under-age gambling since the COVID-19 pandemic and has called on local authorities to address the issue urgently.
In 2020, the government revised its statute, allowing provinces to establish their own gambling regulations. Since then, new gambling regimes have been launched in Buenos Aires, the City of Buenos Aires, Mendoza, and Córdoba.
Defensoria’s federal project aims to enforce strict regulations on gambling advertisements nationwide. It includes a total ban on advertising across all media, including digital, television, radio, and print. The legislation also seeks to reduce sports sponsorships by gambling companies, particularly in events that target minors. Defensoria supports criminal charges against influencers who promote unlicensed online gambling websites.
A national authority, designated by the National Executive Branch, will oversee the enforcement of these regulations. This body will have the power to inspect, audit, and penalise offenders.
The legislation also requires local authorities to allocate budgets for promoting responsible gambling awareness campaigns, with a particular focus on educating the youth about the risks of online gambling addiction.
If passed, the law will take effect within 120 days. All provinces, including the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, will be expected to comply with the new federal standards. Online gambling operators will have six months to adjust their advertising practices to meet the new restrictions. Penalties for non-compliance will range from fines to the suspension or cancellation of their operating licenses.
Defensoria is urging Congress to prioritise this federal project over the eleven different legislative decrees currently being developed by provincial authorities for the Chamber of Deputies.
