In early 2025, Argentina was engaged in a rising debate about legalizing online gambling. One of the nation’s most senior legislators recently reopened debate in the Senate on a proposal to outlaw promotions for online wagering, sparking both support and doubt from across the political spectrum.
The surge in interest in gambling regulation follows years of simmering concerns. As online sites proliferate and sports betting becomes easier than ever, a significant number of Argentines are asking whether adequate measures are being taken to protect vulnerable groups. In this new reality, some players are turning to safer alternatives like online casinos with sweeps coins, offering experiences like traditional casinos but without the risks of real-money wagering.
A Push for Change in National Policy
One lawmaker recently argued that Argentina needs stronger rules to stop what has been described as a flood of gambling ads. A new bill introduced in Congress would outlaw all forms of online betting promotions across national media. That includes ads on television, websites, apps, and even influencer campaigns on social media.
The proposal draws on recent research showing a noticeable rise in gambling among young adults, particularly those aged 18 to 25. According to a national report released in late 2024, there was a 37 per cent increase in reported problem gambling cases in Buenos Aires alone. Supporters of the bill believe aggressive advertising is contributing to this trend.
Mental health professionals and parent advocacy groups have voiced their support, arguing that the current environment makes it far too easy for young people to fall into gambling habits that are difficult to break. The message is clear: Argentina needs change to protect the most at-risk members of society.
The Rise of Online Gambling in Argentina
Online gaming has been booming in popularity during the past few years. After the provinces began issuing licenses to private operators, the online gambling industry saw immense growth. In 2024, it had gathered over $2.1 billion in gross gaming revenue, a boost of nearly 40 per cent from the year before, and profits are expected to keep on growing.
That type of growth comes with its complications. There have been reports of underage users accessing gambling apps, most time by using borrowed or fictitious IDs. Some apps have also been accused of promoting big football matches, getting users to place bets in progress.
Then there is the issue of how gambling is promoted on television. Odds are now part of live sport commentary, and sponsored commentary is becoming more and more conspicuous. People argue that it becomes tricky for watchers to be able to tell the difference between objective reporting and brand promotion.
A Patchwork of Rules
Perhaps the biggest obstacle to creating a national gaming policy is that Argentina has a federal system of government. The provinces formulate their own laws on gambling, and this has led to a patchwork of regulations. Buenos Aires is tougher on age limits and advert placement, whereas Mendoza and Córdoba are more permissive.
The bill would override these differences by creating one national standard. This part of the proposal has caused friction with some provincial leaders, who worry it would strip them of regulatory power and cut into local budgets. Gambling revenue helps fund public services like education, health care, and infrastructure in many areas.
Governors in more receptive gambling provinces have also come forward, cautioning that if advertising is banned, players may be pushed to foreign or unlicensed sites. They contend that if not properly advertised, legitimate operators will not be able to compete.
Trying Safer Alternatives
As the country considers its alternatives, a number of platforms are being pointed to as offering a middle ground. Social casino and sweepstakes casino games enable users to engage in casino-like experiences, but not with the risk of real money. Users play with virtual coins or credits, and usually, they receive rewards through competition instead of bets.
This model has already gained popularity in the United States, where gambling regulations are stricter in some regions. Argentine law experts now discuss whether or not such sites are able to operate locally. Such alternatives may serve consumer demand and public health concerns by removing the economic stakes involved in gambling.
If the bill goes through, sweepstakes casinos could become even more relevant. They offer a way for companies to engage users without crossing legal lines, and for players to enjoy games without the stress of financial loss.
Divided Opinions and Political Ramifications
It shouldn’t come as a surprise that the proposed ban has been controversial. The National Consumer Observatory surveyed people in February 2025 and found that 61 per cent of Argentines supported at least some regulation of gambling advertising. Most of them supported limiting it during the daytime or on pages visited by teenagers. But only 27 per cent said that they would support an outright ban.
Opponents of the bill accuse it of being an overreaction. Supporters of the industry argue that gambling is a legitimate commercial activity and must be treated in the same manner as other entertainment businesses. They point to the safeguards that many sites already have in place, such as age verification, deposit caps, and responsible gambling warning messages.
What the Rest of the World Is Doing
Argentina is not alone in having to pose these questions. Around the world, governments are trying to find ways to regulate the dangers of internet gambling without destroying entire industries. Spain, for example, brought in tough laws in 2023 banning celebrities from endorsing gambling and limiting the viewing of ads for them to after midnight. The UK has been reevaluating football sponsorship, calling on clubs to avoid endorsing bookmaker brands on junior jerseys.
Closer to home, countries like Uruguay and Chile are likewise beginning to initiate their own reviews of legislation around online gambling. Brazil only legalised sports betting as recently as 2024, and regulators there are monitoring how closely Argentina is following in its footsteps with its teething pains.
If Argentina proceeds to ban gambling ads at a nationwide level, we could very well see betting operators changing the way they market themselves drastically. Affiliate-based promotions, sponsored posts, or even brand placements that are not clearly labeled as traditional adverts may become more prevalent.
Where Things Stand Now
Argentina finds itself at a crossroads. The online gambling boom brought revenue and innovation, but also new risks and rising public concern. The bill has opened the door for serious conversation about what responsible regulation should look like in 2025.
Whatever decision legislators make between an outright prohibition and a more lenient option, the outcome will shape people’s experience of gambling in the decades to come. In the meantime, the growing popularity of models like online casinos using sweeps coins indicates that there is room for safer, responsible entertainment to be included in the mix.