Argentina’s Chamber of Deputies has approved a Federal Bill banning online gambling and sports betting advertising across the entire country.

The Bill, which was expedited to the Lower House on November 21, passed with the following votes – 39 votes in favor, 36 against, and 59 abstentions. Its primary objective is to “prevent cyber gambling addiction in children” by imposing a federal ban on online gambling and sports betting ads.

The new regulations prohibit advertisements on all platforms including TV, radio, social media, streaming services, gaming platforms, and even public spaces like billboards and posters.

Also, gambling operators are banned from sponsoring sports teams like Boca Juniors (Betsson), River Plate (Codere), and the Argentina national team, and individual athletes are not an exception as well. 

The ban also includes advertisements in stadiums, sports venues, and on LED signage during games or events. What’s more, gambling operators are prohibited from sponsoring or promoting their services at cultural events, even during concerts and festivals.

Social media restrictions will prevent influencers with large followings on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube from promoting online gambling or sports betting, even though the term “influencer” is not specifically defined in Argentine law. Both real and fictional “Public Personalities” are prohibited from appearing in gambling-related ads to avoid misleading messages, especially those directed at minors and vulnerable groups.

The federal bill will limit gambling and sports betting ads to authorized gambling halls, lottery agencies and sales outlets, as these ads must include a mandatory disclaimer warning that “Compulsive gambling is harmful to your health and that of your family” to prevent gambling addiction.

As the bill progresses to the Senate, stakeholders, including Argentine football teams will have a chance to voice concerns about its potential impact. And these teams may face financial difficulties and need to seek alternative funding if this revenue is lost, as they rely heavily on gambling sponsorships.

Debates in the Chamber of Deputies did not address feedback from sports or media stakeholders on how to implement the federal ban, nor whether a grace period for existing contracts should be provided. So, this will now be reviewed by the Senate.

Argentine provinces have noted that, with gambling advertising banned in cultural and educational spaces, awareness campaigns may be necessary to ensure compliance and understanding of the restrictions.

The Senate is waiting for feedback from Civic Committees to finalize the details of a Federal Framework for gambling protections, which will take priotity over provincial and municipal laws.

These Committees have been urged to act quickly, as stakeholders aim to establish a federal framework before Argentina’s mid-term legislative elections in 2025. This, of course, could shift the composition of the Chamber of Deputies.