A pivotal moment for Argentina’s gambling industry is approaching as the Chamber of Deputies prepares to debate a federal measure that could ban all forms of gambling advertising and sponsorships on November 27th.
The proposal, backed by a coalition of five opposition blocs in Congress, aims to address growing concerns over gambling addiction and underage gambling. Civic Committees, tasked with developing a federal framework to mitigate these issues, strongly support the measure.
The Addiction Prevention, Social Action, Communications, Criminal Legislation, and Families and Youth committees are working together to finalise policies for a new federal bill on gambling protections. The bill aims to establish a federal law to override existing state regulations on gambling.
The strengthening of underage protections is the central focus of the Civic Committees’ working project on federal gambling regulations.
The bill seeks to impose strict rules on gambling promotion. It proposes banning betting company logos on sports jerseys, adverts across digital and traditional media, and welcome bonuses on online gambling platforms. Payment restrictions are also included, such as a ban on using credit systems or social assistance benefit cards for gambling purposes.
The proposal has gained support from parties that are often at odds, including Unión por la Patria, Encuentro Federal, the Civic Coalition, and left-wing factions. However, the ruling coalition, which includes PRO, La Libertad Avanza, and part of the UCR, favours a less restrictive approach that seeks to exclude the ban on sponsorships.
Key measures outlined in the bill include banning betting sponsorships for sports teams and tournaments, prohibiting welcome bonuses for online gambling platforms, and restricting payment methods, particularly the use of credit and social assistance funds for gambling.
The minority opinion calls for a broader ban, targeting all forms of gambling advertising and sponsorships without providing detailed guidelines.
The debate must occur before November 30th, when legislators begin a three-month recess. Lawmakers are working to ensure the measure is discussed and voted on on time.
If approved, the bill would significantly reshape Argentina’s gambling landscape, marking a significant step toward a more regulated and responsible industry.
What the industry should expect
Implications for the industry include marketing challenges, for betting operators would face difficulties acquiring new customers and maintaining brand visibility. A reduced marketing and promotional activity could potentially impact revenue streams. The industry may also experience increased regulatory scrutiny and potential changes to existing licensing frameworks.
Industry stakeholders are closely monitoring the situation and preparing for potential regulatory changes. As the debate unfolds, it is crucial to consider the long-term implications for the gambling industry and its impact on consumer protection.
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