Argentina’s national government has submitted a draft law to Congress that seeks to reshape the country’s online gambling landscape, placing public health and youth protection at the center of regulation.
The proposal, titled the Bill for the Prevention of Gambling and Regulation of Online Gambling, aims to organize the virtual betting market while restricting access to illegal platforms. The Ministry of Health confirmed that the initiative focuses on limiting gambling addiction and reducing exposure among minors.
Officials have framed the issue as a national health priority rather than a narrow regulatory concern. The proposal recognizes gambling addiction as part of a broader pattern of problematic behavior that affects families, finances, and social stability. The Secretariat for Comprehensive Drug Policies of Argentina (SEDRONAR) will take a central role in prevention and treatment programs, coordinating efforts across all provinces.
Argentina's anti-gambling bill puts crypto exchanges on the hook for unlicensed betting
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Argentina's Health Ministry (@MinSalud_Ar) submitted a gambling-addiction prevention bill to Congress that, for the first time, explicitly names virtual asset service providers. Banks,… pic.twitter.com/HR8jwT1TXg
Financial and crypto restrictions take center stage
The bill introduces strict controls on payment systems that support unauthorized gambling operators. It states, “financial entities, payment service providers or virtual asset providers are prohibited from offering their services to unauthorized gambling operators.”
This provision places cryptocurrency firms within the enforcement framework. Exchanges, payment processors, and fiat gateways could face new compliance requirements if the law passes. The measure aims to cut off financial access for offshore platforms that rely on digital assets after losing traditional banking channels.
Authorities plan to involve several key institutions in enforcement. The Central Bank of Argentina, the National Securities Commission, the National Communications Agency, and NIC Argentina would coordinate to block transactions, suspend domains, and restrict technical infrastructure tied to illegal betting services.
The proposal shifts enforcement strategy toward the broader support network behind these platforms. Courts would gain authority to prosecute entities that provide software, hosting, financial services, or advertising support to unauthorized operators.
Advertising and digital promotion face strict limits
The bill introduces sweeping advertising restrictions across traditional and digital channels. Media outlets, agencies, influencers, and content creators would need to verify that gambling operators hold official approval before promoting their services.
Promotion of illegal platforms would be banned across television, radio, public spaces, and social media. The proposal also prohibits displaying website addresses linked to unauthorized operators in any format.
Licensed operators would also face limits. Advertising cannot target minors or present gambling as a path to financial or social success. The measure also blocks common promotional tactics such as welcome bonuses that often attract new users.
Sports organizations, athletes, and entertainment venues could lose access to betting sponsorships if the restrictions pass. The proposal extends into the creator economy, where online personalities would face penalties for promoting unlicensed services.
Criminal penalties expand to operators and service providers
The legislation introduces changes to the Penal Code with prison sentences for both operators and enablers of illegal gambling systems. Individuals who organize or manage unauthorized betting platforms could face three to six years in prison.
The bill also creates a new offense targeting those who support these operations. Financial providers, technology firms, advertisers, and digital service providers could receive prison sentences of two to four years if they facilitate illegal gambling activities.
This approach reflects a broader attempt to dismantle the ecosystem that sustains unlicensed platforms rather than focusing only on operators. Article 301 would allow authorities to pursue cases against infrastructure providers that enable these services to remain active.
Protection of minors and public health response
The proposal includes detailed provisions aimed at protecting children and teenagers. Platforms that fail to implement effective age verification systems would lose access to financial services. The Central Bank would also block transfers from accounts linked to minors to gambling operators.
Authorities plan to introduce biometric identity verification for licensed platforms. This requirement would ensure that users meet legal age requirements before placing bets.
Data from SEDRONAR shows that more than one in four high school students in Argentina engaged in gambling over the past year, often through digital platforms. This figure has shaped the urgency behind the bill.
The Ministry of Health plans to expand prevention programs, public awareness campaigns, and training initiatives for educators and social organizations. It will also develop statistical research to measure the impact of gambling addiction and guide policy decisions.
Broader regulatory context and enforcement momentum
Argentina’s legislative push follows recent actions against prediction market platforms. A Buenos Aires court ordered a nationwide block of Polymarket in March, citing concerns over licensing, crypto payments, and access by minors.
Similar actions have appeared in other jurisdictions. Ireland and India have also restricted access to crypto-based prediction platforms after classifying them as gambling or prohibited online gaming services.
The Argentine proposal reflects this wider shift. Authorities treat event-based betting platforms as gambling when users stake real money on uncertain outcomes.
The bill now awaits congressional review. If approved, it would establish a coordinated enforcement system across financial, telecommunications, and digital infrastructure sectors. The outcome could redefine how online gambling platforms operate within Argentina’s borders and how they access payment systems, including crypto networks.
Anastasiia G
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