La Libertad Avanza is working on an alternative project to regulate online betting
The administration of President Javier Milei is currently developing a new legislative proposal aimed at «preventing gambling addiction» in Argentina. This initiative emerges as an alternative to a bill already approved in the Chamber of Deputies last year. According to ámbito.com, the draft seems specifically tailored to benefit officially licensed online betting houses and related sectors. This has sparked controversy and criticism from opposition parties, who claim it favors the online gaming business while neglecting critical safeguards against addiction and underage gambling.
The Contentious Draft Law
The proposed bill, which ámbito.com has accessed, is significantly less restrictive than the one awaiting sanction in the Senate. Opposition voices are raising concerns, suggesting that it appears to be written by «Chiqui Tapia and betting companies,» defending the interests of online gaming businesses. They also warn that it «protects advertising that hooks minors and normalizes addiction as part of daily consumption.» These criticisms highlight the deep divisions and concerns surrounding the regulation of online gambling in Argentina.
Background: The Approved Bill in the Chamber of Deputies
Last November, the Chamber of Deputies granted preliminary approval to a bill focused on preventing gambling addiction and regulating online gaming. The original text was driven by deputies Maximiliano Ferraro and Mónica Frade, both from the Civic Coalition. After incorporating changes proposed by other opposition blocs and extensive work in committee, the bill received a favorable opinion from all five committees to which it was assigned. This level of support contrasts sharply with other legislative efforts, such as the omnibus bill, indicating a broader consensus on the need to address online gambling.
The bill was eventually approved with 140 votes in favor, 36 votes against (all from La Libertad Avanza), and 59 abstentions (from PRO, UCR, MID, and CREO). A key aspect of the approved text is the prohibition of all types of advertising, promotion, and sponsorship of online betting platforms. This ban extends to public spaces, shows, sporting events, social networks, influencers, and audiovisual media. It even includes clothing.
Deputy Maximiliano Ferraro explained that the project includes biometric controls on online betting sites to prevent minors from accessing these platforms. «We demand verification both when registering and when logging in, adding awareness measures and sanctions to those who promote betting among minors,» Ferraro stated. The approved bill also regulates payment methods, prohibiting online betting sites from including payment methods that generate debt, such as credit cards, and establishing daily limits to protect each user's assets.
The Official Stance and its New Project
The bill approved in the Chamber of Deputies is currently stalled in the Senate. While La Libertad Avanza only holds 6 of the 72 Senate seats, the lack of momentum cannot be solely attributed to them. Unión por la Patria, which supported the bill in the Chamber of Deputies, has 34 senators but has not prioritized the issue.
The current administration is working on a new project, under the title «Pathological Gambling, Prevention of Minors' Gambling Addiction, and Exploitation of Unauthorized Online Gaming,» which seeks to present in the Senate. According to ámbito.com, the draft falls short of the approved bill from the Chamber of Deputies.
Key Points of the New Draft
Under the premise of regulating the advertising of online betting houses and eradicating unauthorized games of chance, the draft proposes prison sentences of between 3 and 6 years for those who exploit, administer, or operate illegal betting houses, or fail to prevent the participation of minors. Penalties of between 2 and 4 years are also proposed for those who promote or advertise illegal betting houses. Additionally, a chapter is dedicated to the registration of online betting house operators.
The Most Controversial Aspects
One of the most resisted aspects by online betting houses, and some sectors benefiting from the business, concerns online betting advertising. Many betting sites sponsor sporting events or even football clubs. The Civic Coalition project, as detailed earlier, eradicates any type of online betting advertising not only in public spaces but also in shows, sporting events, social networks, influencers, and audiovisual media.
The approved bill includes an article prohibiting individuals with ties to online betting or games of chance from being elected to the board of directors of sports associations.
What Does the Libertarian Text Propose Regarding Advertising?
The current proposal prohibits «the advertising, promotion, and sponsorship of unauthorized online games of chance and their dissemination directly or indirectly, through any means of dissemination or communication.» In other words, it prohibits advertising illegal activities (in this case, betting houses).
It also prohibits «the advertising, promotion, and sponsorship of online games of chance that promote or do not provide mechanisms to prevent the participation of minors.» Specifically, these messages should not be directed at or starred by minors.
Another prohibition targets content that «allows linking participation in online games of chance with personal, work, or social success, or suggests that it brings social acceptance.» It also clarifies that these messages should not exhibit «criminal behaviors» or suggest that «winning the game will bring financial solutions.» Finally, the text states that «the consumption of alcohol or tobacco should not be promoted during participation in games of chance.»
Deputy Ferraro, president of the Civic Coalition, stated: «The government says it wants to prevent gambling addiction, but it is promoting a project that is a real disgrace. A clumsy attempt to cover up what they really defend: the online gambling business. It is, or seems to be, written by Chiqui Tapia and the betting companies. The text protects the advertising that hooks minors and normalizes addiction as part of daily consumption.» (Ferraro, 2025).
Conclusion
The new draft primarily targets illegal betting sites but fails to address many of the concerns raised by the previous bill, such as incompatibilities with sports entity leaders, biometric verification, and limits on payment methods. This has led to criticisms that the proposal prioritizes the interests of authorized online betting houses and their beneficiaries, leaving minors and vulnerable individuals at risk.
