Argentina banned iGaming advertising

The Argentine Ombudsman’s Office has introduced a bill aimed at prohibiting advertising and sports sponsorships by online gambling operators across the country. The initiative seeks to curb cyber-gambling addiction (ciberludopatía), particularly among minors.

Key aspects of the bill include:

Ban on Advertising and Promotion: The bill prohibits direct or indirect promotion of online gambling through any media, including during artistic or sports events. It also outlaws marketing strategies like "welcome bonuses" that entice players to sign up.

Sponsorship Restrictions: Sports teams and events targeting minors cannot be sponsored by online gambling operators. Existing contracts may continue until their end date but cannot be renewed.

Exemptions: Advertising within licensed gambling establishments is allowed but must include clear warnings about gambling addiction and available resources for treatment.

Penalties: Violations will result in fines, warnings, or suspension of licenses for online gambling operations.

The bill, submitted in August 2024, joins other recent proposals in Congress, including those by Senators Eduardo Wado de Pedro and Anabel Fernández Sagasti, and Deputies Constanza Alonso, Maximiliano Ferraro, and Eduardo Toniolli. If passed, operators will have six months to comply with the new regulations.