Police sources have revealed to the Argentine News Agency that an illegal casino operation has been shut down in Buenos Aires.
The move underlines the zero tolerance approach of law enforcement when it comes to illicit gambling operations in Argentina.
Close to $1.5m in cash was seized as a result of the raid, which took place during peak engagement time in the evening for the casino. Several sets of cards were also seized alongside numerous sets of dice and even a .38 calibre revolver with bullets.
A 27-year-old Paraguayan man was also charged as a result of the raid.
It comes at a pivotal and sensitive time for the regulation of Argentine gambling after confusion reigned following President Javier Milei proposing a new bill to regulate online gambling and sports betting.
The bill drafted by the Executive Branch (the office of the President) promotes the recommendations sought by Sedronar, the Argentine Secretariat for Addiction Policies.
However, it led to much confusion over whether it is a direct intervention by President Milei on the Senate’s ongoing discussion to apply federal laws and consumer protections to gambling in Argentina.
As reported by SBC Noticias, the bill “does not add any new policies to the existing regulatory framework and does not address one of the most pressing issues in society: advertising.”
The only changes noted are aiming to tackle illegal gambling, “a regulatory discipline that is already included in the current gambling regulations at the national level and for each province that has chosen to regulate online gambling”.
The subject of implementing federal gambling protections gained cross-party support in November 2024, when five opposition blocs in the Chamber of Deputies jointly introduced a far-reaching proposal aimed at banning all gambling advertising and sponsorships.
The initiative was endorsed by civic committees focused on addiction prevention, social action, communications, criminal legislation, and youth welfare. Deputies agreed on the scope of a new national regulatory framework, which includes the following provisions awaiting the Senate’s approval:
- A comprehensive ban on advertising, promotion, and sponsorship of online gambling across all communication platforms, including digital media, social networks, and public spaces.
- A prohibition on gambling operators sponsoring sports teams or athletes, and restrictions on naming rights for sports venues.
- A ban on welcome bonuses and endorsements from celebrities or public figures in gambling promotions.
- Mandatory biometric facial identification for online gambling users to prevent underage access.
- Permitted advertising only within authorised gambling halls and lottery sales locations, provided they display warnings about compulsive gambling risks.
The Senate has yet to announce a formal debate date. However, legal analysts caution that the Executive’s alternative bill could stall legislative progress. Critics argue that the proposal creates confusion and redundancy, potentially weakening the momentum behind the more robust regulatory approach already passed by the Lower House.
