Argentina: Senate Resumes Debate on Gambling Addiction Prevention Bill

The Argentine Senate has resumed debate on a bill focused on preventing gambling addiction and regulating online betting, with lawmakers under pressure to move the initiative forward before it loses parliamentary status.

The bill, already approved in the Chamber of Deputies in November 2024, is now under review by the Senate’s Health, General Legislation and Justice committees. Its key measures include banning gambling advertising and sponsorships on social media and at sports or cultural events, eliminating welcome bonuses, and introducing biometric verification to prevent underage gambling.

Supporters of the proposal argue that Argentina faces a growing public health challenge linked to online betting, particularly among young people. They stress that stricter rules are essential to protect vulnerable groups and bring consistency to gambling regulation across the country.

However, progress in the Senate has been slow, raising concerns that the bill may lose its status if not passed before the end of the legislative period. Senator Lucía Corpacci and other lawmakers have warned that repeated delays and a lack of committee sessions are jeopardizing its advancement.

If approved, the law would establish a national framework for online gambling oversight, create preventive programs for gambling addiction, and impose tighter restrictions on operators — representing a significant change in Argentina’s gambling regulation model.