Buenos Aires Province accelerated in 2026 a dual strategy to consolidate the regulated gaming market; strengthening youth gambling prevention while reinforcing the legal retail network that supports part of the province’s public revenue system. The move places the Provincial Institute of Lottery and Casinos of Buenos Aires (IPLyC) at the center of the sector’s new control and growth model.
The first front emerged after provincial lawmaker Valentín Miranda requested oversight of the implementation of the Comprehensive Plan for the Prevention and Treatment of Adolescent Gambling Addiction, originally launched in July 2024 by the administration of Axel Kicillof. The program involves the Ministry of Government led by Carlos Bianco, the Ministry of Health headed by Nicolás Kreplak, the Ministry of Security under Javier Alonso, the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights led by Juan Martín Mena, the General Directorate of Culture and Education headed by Alberto Sileoni, and the IPLyC chaired by Gonzalo Atanasof.
Gonzalo Atanasof
The province reported that an official survey conducted among 434 secondary school students found that approximately 34% had gambled online at least once, prompting measures such as IP blocking in schools, biometric validation, facial recognition systems, KYC controls, and advertising restrictions. The entire framework operates under Law 15.079 of 2018 and Regulatory Decree 181/2019, which governs online gambling in Buenos Aires Province and grant supervisory powers to the IPLyC.
The regulator advanced a commercial strategy aimed at sustaining and expanding the legal land-based ecosystem. The IPLyC rewarded agencies that increased sales through the “Premiamos tu esfuerzo” program, recognizing “Vía Fortuna” owned by Gustavo O’Connor in San Martín, “El bum del escolazo” operated by Gregorio and Marcelo Di Bennardo in La Matanza, “San Jorge” owned by Mariano Ballon in Quilmes, “Massari” managed by Jacinta Abasse in La Matanza, “Los chicos” operated by Rubén Aldabe in Avellaneda, and “El Grillo de Lolo” owned by Carina Rodríguez in San Fernando.
The ceremony was led by Gonzalo Atanasof alongside Carlos Gallo, Ricardo Daubagna, Mónica Vicente and Diego Pietrafesa, senior IPLyC officials overseeing a structure composed of approximately 4,350 licensed agencies, 45 bingo halls, 12 casinos and five racetracks that continue financing healthcare, education, security and infrastructure programs across the province.
