Argentina Proposes New Law to Crack Down on Unlicensed Online Betting

Argentina’s government, led by President Javier Milei, has introduced a new bill aimed at tightening control over illegal online gambling operations. The proposed law focuses specifically on operators that lack official licenses.

The bill, titled “Pathological Gambling, Prevention of Underage Gambling Addiction, and the Regulation of Unauthorized Online Gaming,” was drafted by the Secretariat of Comprehensive Drug Policies (Sedronar).

If passed, it would impose prison sentences of three to six years for anyone operating an unlicensed betting platform and two to four years for those promoting or advertising such sites. Notably, unlike earlier proposals, this initiative does not ban all online betting advertising — it targets only the promotion of unlicensed operators.

A Shift From Previous Regulations

Argentina already took steps in late 2024 to limit betting ads, banning sportsbook promotions during sporting events and in mainstream media. That move mainly targeted clubs like River Plate and Boca Juniors, restricting sponsorships on jerseys and public spaces.

The new proposal, however, takes a narrower aim: shutting down illegal platforms without disturbing existing commercial agreements between licensed operators and sports organizations.

Opposition Voices Concerns

Some opposition lawmakers have raised red flags. Maximiliano Ferraro and Mónica Frade criticized the bill for not doing enough to limit minors’ exposure to gambling content. They also pointed to potential conflicts of interest, noting the ongoing partnerships between the Argentine Football Association (AFA) and online betting firms.

Another sticking point: the bill reportedly lacks clarity on the role of the Central Bank in regulating digital payment systems tied to online gambling — a gap that could complicate enforcement.

Provincial Autonomy Remains

The proposal respects the authority of Argentina’s provinces and Buenos Aires City to set their own regulatory frameworks. That means operators could face a patchwork of local rules — a reality that companies working in Argentina will need to navigate carefully.

The bill is now headed to debate in Congress. If approved, it will mark another major step in Argentina’s effort to combat illegal gambling while protecting its emerging regulated market.