The Argentine capital, Buenos Aires, will permit gaming hall operators to seek licenses electronically. This follows a decision made by the city’s regulatory body, the Buenos Aires City Lottery Board (LotBA).

The city’s regulations, approved earlier this year, initially barred retail betting and gaming hall operators from applying for online licenses. This was due to concerns about potential “monopolistic behavior” by physical operators.

However, following challenges from gaming hall operators regarding the legality of this restriction, the LotBA issued a resolution lifting the ban. This resolution has been endorsed by the legislative body of Buenos Aires. Nevertheless, betting shop operators will remain prohibited from operating online.

Resolution No. 231/20 was passed with a majority vote, receiving 27 votes in favor, 5 against, and 26 abstentions.

Furthermore, the city has implemented a new set of gambling regulations designed to enhance player protection.

Under this law, Law No. 6331, all gaming halls are required to prominently display the message “Compulsive gambling is detrimental to health.” They must also display contact information for gambling addiction support hotlines and websites. This sign must occupy at least 25% of the building’s exterior surface area.

Automated cash dispensers (ACDs) are prohibited from being set up within gambling houses or within 200 meters of them. Digital payment methods are not allowed, and timepieces must be displayed prominently.

Marketing materials for wagering cannot be aimed at young people and must include warnings about the potential risks of gambling dependency.

Furthermore, a city-wide voluntary exclusion register will be implemented, allowing individuals to exclude themselves from gambling for a minimum of six months.

These regulations will be put into effect within 120 days. The legislation is a collection of proposals put forth by the Economic Development Committee, the Employment Policy Committee, and the Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR).

The law states: “Addiction is not a personal issue, but a societal one, and the state has a duty to act, beginning with essential preventative measures.”

Another law, numbered 6330, proposed by Hernán Reyes, prohibits those found guilty of running gambling establishments.

In the preceding year, the province of Buenos Aires (a separate entity from the city) was preparing to launch its own online gambling licensing process, with operators such as Bet365, Betway, and Codere LatAm expressing interest in entering the market.

However, amidst political instability, pro-gambling Buenos Aires Governor María Eugenia Vidal was defeated by Axel Kicillof of the Frente de Todos, leaving the future of online gambling in the province uncertain.

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