Argentina Pushes for Stricter Controls on Underage Online Gambling
Argentina is expected to adopt more stringent regulations concerning online gambling involving minor users after introducing an amendment bill targeting betting sites and their advertising practices. The move is aimed at safeguarding the physical and psychological well-being of children and teenagers against the risks associated with youth gambling and the expansion of digital betting services.
The initiative was submitted to Argentina’s House of Representatives by National Deputy Karina Banfi and calls for amendments to the Audiovisual Communication Services Law 26.522 and the Comprehensive Protection of the Rights of Children and Adolescents Law 26.061.
According to the bill, the need for amendment is driven by the modernization of the country’s legislation amid the growth of gambling in digital spaces and the rising cases of gambling problems among young individuals.
Restrictions on Advertising via Multiple Platforms and Athletes
The proposed amendment introduces new restrictions on advertising, promotion, and dissemination of betting content directed at minors on various platforms and communication channels.
These would include television broadcasts, radio transmissions, outdoor advertising, Internet pages, websites, applications, and social networks. Additionally, the amendment would introduce prohibitions against using child-friendly characters, athletes, influencers, cartoons, or public persons appealing to youth to promote gambling.
Besides, the initiative calls for banning any advertisements linking gambling with the feeling of success, either personally, financially, or socially. Further, the prohibition would also cover the use of education, sport, or other organizations for gambling promotions and associations between betting activities and achievements or awards.
According to the proposal, gambling addiction entails “a compulsive desire to gamble or play against fate regardless of the losses and the damage it causes to oneself and others.” Additionally, the addiction could cause “the progressive deterioration of various aspects of everyday life.”
Toughening the Rules against Underage Gambling in Argentina
The amendment is part of the regulatory wave being experienced in Argentina, which has seen several provinces intensify measures aimed at preventing youth gambling through illegal betting platforms.
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Gambling-related advertisements are becoming an increasingly common problem amid the rapid expansion of online betting operators and sponsorship deals in Argentine football, raising questions about exposing underage children to such content.
Another Amendment Targets Gambling Ads at Sporting Events
Buenos Aires Senator Malena Galmarini recently proposed a bill aimed at banning gambling ads and sponsorships at sporting and community events taking place in Buenos Aires Province.
The measure is similar to Banfi’s amendment in that it seeks to prevent cases of gambling problems in minors while preserving the community functions of sport organizations. This has been necessitated by the increased presence of betting operators sponsoring football matches.
Betting companies have already secured partnerships with numerous top football clubs in Argentina. Currently, there are a number of football teams displaying betting sponsors on their jerseys, such as Betsson with Boca Juniors and Racing Club, Betano with River Plate, and Sportsbet with Independiente.
Additionally, Casino de Buenos Aires Online is sponsoring San Lorenzo FC. The proposed amendment would make it illegal to display sponsors’ names and logos on sports club jerseys and prohibit advertising bets around sports venues up to 100 meters.
The bill also bans naming any stadium after betting firms and prohibits using their names to label sports venues. According to Galmarini, the initiative does not seek to outlaw gambling operations in general, only reducing its exposure in places often visited by children, teenagers, and families.
Enforcement of the proposed restrictions would be done at a provincial and municipal level with the technical assistance of the Provincial Institute of Lotteries and Casinos.
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Source: SBC Noticias
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