Argentina’s Senate Leader Pledges Debate on Online Gambling Bill

Senate leader Patricia Bullrich has confirmed that Argentina’s upper house will consider an online gambling bill in the coming weeks, as pressure builds to act before the proposal loses its parliamentary standing on 30 November. The measure, which was approved by the Chamber of Deputies in November 2024, would impose sweeping restrictions on the advertising and promotion of online betting across the country.

The bill passed the Chamber of Deputies on 27 November 2024 by a vote of 139 to 36, with 59 abstentions. The vote took place without the support of the ruling La Libertad Avanza bloc or the PRO party, reflecting the politically divisive nature of the proposal.

Under the chamber’s rules, bills approved by one house retain their standing for a limited period. In October, the Senate approved a motion to give the bill priority status, following a request from Senator Lucía Corpacci of Catamarca, who called for immediate joint committee scrutiny before the 30 November deadline. Senate approval of the priority motion revived a proposal that had otherwise been expected to lapse.

Key Provisions of the Bill

The legislation would prohibit online gambling advertising across all major channels, including:

• Television and radio
• Social media and digital platforms
• Sports sponsorships, including branding on professional football jerseys
• Promotions and offers intended to attract new players

The bill also strengthens responsible gambling safeguards and platform obligations, framing the measures as a response to growing concern over gambling addiction, particularly among young people.

Political and Industry Context

Bullrich’s commitment to schedule debate comes amid sustained pressure from the Catholic Church and advocacy groups, which have campaigned for stronger national action on gambling harm. The Catholic Church has been a prominent voice in Argentina’s debate over online betting, urging lawmakers to curb the sector’s visibility and reach.

The federal debate is unfolding alongside a broader wave of legislative activity at provincial level. In the Province of Buenos Aires, Senator Federico Fagioli has introduced a proposal – dubbed the “Lula Law” – that would go further by banning online sports betting and casino games altogether, repealing the licensing framework established under provincial Law No. 15,079. Other provincial proposals include mandatory access fees for betting platforms and the redirection of gambling tax revenue toward problem gambling prevention programmes.

At the national level, the government of President Javier Milei has separately advanced its own reform bill targeting unauthorized betting operations, proposing criminal penalties of three to six years for those operating illegal platforms and two to four years for individuals or companies facilitating unlicensed services.