Buenos Aires Province lawmakers consolidate proposals to block online betting in schools

Legislators in the Buenos Aires Province have merged two draft bills into a single framework that would require schools across the province to block access to online gambling and adult-content websites, as part of efforts to curb student exposure.

The Education Commission of the Chamber of Deputies of Buenos Aires Province has approved the unification of two separate legislative initiatives — one introduced by Deputy Belén Malaisi (UCR + Cambio Federal) and another by Deputy Martín Rozas (Unión y Libertad) — into a single omnibus bill aimed at reinforcing digital protections in educational institutions.

The merged proposal emphasises a revision to Article 55 of the Provincial Education Law, requiring the Ministry of Education of Buenos Aires Province to implement mechanisms that block access to online betting platforms and adult-content websites in both public and private schools. Deputy Malaisi argued that “the problem of compulsive gambling among students has grown to such an extent that urgent action is needed.”

Deputy Rozas’ parallel proposal calls for internet service providers to install filtering systems covering gambling, online gaming and adult content, alongside awareness-programmes for teachers, students and providers. “We must ensure a safe digital environment where education comes first,” Rozas remarked.

The move follows alarming data from the Buenos Aires City Ombudsman’s Office showing that one in four high-school students has bet online at least once, while 3 % may be struggling to stop.

If adopted, the bill would create a provincial strategy combining regulation, education and technology control — positioning Buenos Aires Province as a leader in protecting youth from online gambling exposure. Next steps include committee review and full legislative debate.