Lawmakers Urge Argentina’s Senate to Accelerate Gambling Reform Approval

Main Provisions of the Regulatory Initiative

The bill focuses on tackling gambling addiction and controlling the spread of misleading adverts. On 27 November 2024, the document was passed by the Chamber of Deputies with strong cross-party support.

The final count showed:

• 140 deputies voted in favour;
• 36 — against the proposal;
• 59 — chose to abstain.

The draft includes several strict measures:

1. Criminal penalties for breaches of the rules.
2. A full ban on gambling advertisements across digital channels.
3. Mandatory biometric checks to prevent underage access.
4. An approval process for companies operating in this sector.
5. Control over payment systems connected to iGaming services.
6. Legal updates related to gambling in the Criminal Code.

Despite passing in the lower house, the Senate has been slow in reviewing the document, causing frustration among lawmakers.

Mr Ferraro posted on X (formerly Twitter), asking the authorities to stop delaying the bill. According to the politician, it is urgent to pass rules that will preserve public health and keep misleading ads away from both minors and adults.

The CC-ARI leader mentioned model Wanda Nara and TV host Marcelo Tinelli, criticising them for popularising online casinos among their followers. Mr Ferraro said their actions were harmful, not just because of the legal concerns but also due to the wrong messages they spread, encouraging people to believe in quick money schemes.

Prosecutor’s Office Steps Against Influencer Ads

In July, the Buenos Aires body ordered Wanda Nara and several public figures to appear in an awareness campaign aimed at preventing harmful addictions. This move followed a similar action in May, when Cinthia Fernández, a well-known influencer, was summoned for promoting illegal casino websites on Instagram.

Before the bill reaches a final vote in the Senate, it must be endorsed by the Health & General Legislation, along with the Justice & Criminal Affairs branch.

Calls for swift approval are growing louder. Mónica Frade, one of the bill’s key sponsors, continues to push for immediate action to finalise the gambling reform and introduce stronger safeguards.