Argentina’s National Congress has received a new bill aimed at protecting minors from online gambling harm as concern grows over youth betting. The proposal is sponsored by Senator Beatriz Ávila and would create a national prevention programme focused on children and teenagers. Lawmakers are also debating how far Argentina should go in restricting gambling advertising, sponsorships and access by minors.
Schools would become part of prevention
The bill would require schools to run workshops warning students about the risks of online betting. Teachers and school staff would also receive training to help identify signs of problem gambling among pupils.
The proposal would create referral routes between schools, healthcare services and social support providers. That would give schools a formal role in spotting early gambling harm and directing young people toward help.
Argentina’s Ombudsman’s Office has reported that seven in every 100 citizens show gambling-related problems. The country is also estimated to have more than 19 million active gamblers.
Operators would fund support measures
The bill would add a new cost for online gambling operators. It proposes a levy equal to 1% of all online bets placed in Argentina, with the money used to fund prevention and treatment work.
The measure would join other attempts to tighten online gambling controls at national level. Argentina’s federal structure means gambling rules are mainly handled by provinces, creating different rules across the country.
That split has made online enforcement harder. Licensed sites depend on provincial approvals, while illegal operators and offshore platforms can reach users across borders through social media, influencers and payment channels.
Advertising aimed at minors is also under review
Separately, National Deputy Karina Banfi has introduced legislation to restrict gambling advertising aimed at minors across television, radio, social media and digital platforms. That proposal would stop operators from using athletes, influencers, celebrities, cartoon imagery or child-focused visuals in campaigns aimed at younger audiences. It would also ban messages that link betting with financial success or personal achievement.
Buenos Aires Senator Malena Galmarini is also pushing restrictions on betting sponsorships linked to sport and community events. Her proposal would ban gambling logos on sports kits, block ads within 100 metres of sports venues and prevent betting brands from securing naming rights for stadiums or facilities.
