Argentina Advances Online Gambling Ads Ban in 2024

The Argentine Chamber of Deputies has approved a bill aimed at curbing online gambling advertising and addressing gambling addiction, particularly among youth. The measure, which passed during a special session on November 27 with 139 votes in favor, 36 against, and 59 abstentions, now moves to the Senate for further consideration. This legislative step seeks to establish a stricter national framework for gambling regulation in a country where provinces currently govern these activities.

Key Provisions of the Proposed Legislation

Under Article 8, the bill prohibits the advertising, promotion, and sponsorship of online gambling across all media platforms, including social media, public spaces, and digital platforms. It extends the restrictions to sports sponsorships, barring online gambling operators from branding sports teams, athletes, or venues such as stadiums and training facilities. Influencers and public figures, including fictional characters, are also banned from endorsing online gambling services. Additionally, welcome bonuses are set to be outlawed if the legislation becomes law.

Article 8 further mandates stricter user verification processes, requiring operators to implement biometric facial recognition technology to prevent minors from accessing gambling platforms. However, limited advertising will still be permitted within authorized gambling halls and lottery sales outlets, as outlined in Article 9. Such advertising must include cautionary messages warning of the risks associated with compulsive gambling.

Debate and Divergent Opinions

The legislation has sparked significant debate among lawmakers. A recent session highlighted a rift between proponents advocating for tighter controls and those opposing government intervention in personal choices. PRO deputy Hernán Lombardi argued against the measure, emphasizing adult freedom to gamble responsibly, while LLA deputy Lilia Lemoine stated that gambling addiction is a family issue rather than a state responsibility. She questioned whether banning social media might follow such regulatory moves.

Conversely, UxP deputy Natalia Zaracho shared a poignant account of a teenager from a disadvantaged background who accrued crippling debt through online gambling, illustrating the societal harm posed by unregulated platforms. Political scientist Ariel Parajón, who contributed to drafting the bill, emphasized the need for a measured approach that avoids criminalization while addressing the broader impact of digital platforms on society.

Addressing Underage Gambling and Illegal Platforms

Supporters of the bill cite its potential to address Argentina’s fragmented gambling regulations and combat the alarming prevalence of illegal betting platforms. Deputy Silvana Giudici noted that nearly 78% of the 14.6 million online gambling users in Argentina engage with unlicensed sites. The proposed biometric controls are seen as a critical step in preventing underage gambling and enhancing parental oversight.

Deputy Mónica Frade highlighted the bill’s goal of creating a unified national framework, enabling provinces to adhere to consistent advertising regulations. She described the measure as an effort to fill the “legal vacuum” in existing laws. Deputy Rogello Iparraguirre echoed this sentiment, calling the bill’s progression an opportunity to address the societal impact of new technologies and gambling addiction.

Next Steps

The Senate’s review will include input from various stakeholders, such as Argentinian football clubs, which could be significantly affected by the restrictions on sponsorship. If approved, the bill will initiate a comprehensive strategy to combat online gambling addiction among children and adolescents, marking a pivotal step in Argentina’s efforts to regulate the growing influence of online betting.

Source:

“Without LLA or the PRO, Deputies Approve a Bill Against Online Gambling Addiction“, buenosairesherald.com, November 28, 2024.