Argentina Pushes Forward with Federal Ban on Online Gambling Ads

Argentina’s Chamber of Deputies has taken a significant step toward curbing gambling-related harm by passing a bill that would ban online gambling and sports betting advertising nationwide. On November 27, the measure was approved with 139 votes in favor, 36 against, and 59 abstentions. The bill’s next destination is the Senate, where it will undergo further review and input from stakeholders, including football clubs and other affected organizations.

The legislation aims to establish a centralized framework for regulating gambling advertisements to address underage betting and protect minors and vulnerable groups. Deputy Mónica Frade emphasized the need for a unified national approach, calling the bill a way to fill a “legal vacuum” and provide consistency across Argentina's provinces.

Scope of the Advertising Ban

The bill outlines extensive restrictions under Article 8, prohibiting all forms of online gambling advertising across communication platforms. This includes digital spaces such as social media, streaming services, gaming platforms, and traditional channels like television and radio. Outdoor advertising, including billboards, posters, and public signage, would also be restricted.

Additionally, gambling operators would be barred from sponsoring sports teams, individual athletes, and cultural events like concerts or festivals. The use of gambling-related branding in stadiums or on sports venue signage would no longer be allowed. The bill also bans influencer endorsements, particularly on platforms like Instagram and TikTok, to deter aspirational messaging targeted at young audiences.

Article 8 extends to testimonials from public figures, fictional characters, and celebrities, ensuring that gambling promotions do not exploit their influence. Furthermore, welcome bonuses—a common feature of online gambling platforms—would be prohibited.

While the bill enforces sweeping restrictions, there are exceptions. Advertising within authorized gambling halls and lottery sales points would still be permitted, provided such promotions include a cautionary disclaimer stating, “Compulsive gambling is harmful to your health and that of your family.”

To bolster protections for minors, operators would also be required to implement biometric facial identification systems. Deputy Silvana Giudici highlighted that 78% of Argentina’s estimated 14.6 million online gambling users access illegal sites, underscoring the urgency of improved regulatory controls.

Balancing Regulation with Stakeholder Interests

The Senate’s deliberations will involve input from civic committees and stakeholders, particularly sports organizations that heavily rely on gambling sponsorships. Clubs such as Boca Juniors and River Plate, which maintain partnerships with gambling operators, may face significant financial impacts. The absence of provisions for a transition period to wind down existing sponsorship agreements has also raised concerns.

Deputy Rogello Iparraguirre views the bill as a critical step forward in addressing gambling addiction, particularly among youth, while recognizing the broader societal implications. “It has to be an opportunity to discuss issues that we have postponed, such as the context in which new technologies emerged and how they have impacted our lives,” he stated.

As the bill progresses to the Senate, debates are expected to center on balancing public health priorities with economic considerations for Argentina’s sports and media industries. Meanwhile, civic committees are tasked with ensuring that a comprehensive federal framework supersedes existing provincial regulations.

The urgency to finalize these protections is heightened by Argentina's mid-term legislative elections in 2025, which could alter the composition of the Chamber of Deputies.

In recent news, Brazil also banned Gambling ads thus protecting vulnerable groups.

Source:

''Argentina chamber of deputies approves bill to ban online betting ads'', igamingbusiness.com, December 02, 2024.