Argentina’s gambling regulatory agenda returned to the spotlight on September 29, 2026, following a September 18 meeting between the Financial Information Unit (UIF) and the Argentine Chamber of Casinos, Bingo Halls and Annexes (CASCBA), where both sides reviewed the implementation of UIF Resolution 194/2023 and agreed to deepen cooperation against money laundering, terrorist financing, proliferation financing and illegal offshore gambling.
The working session examined implementation challenges, regulatory scope and opportunities to improve internal controls across casinos, bingo halls and other operators. UIF Resolution 194/2023 requires gambling-sector reporting entities to operate under a risk-based AML/CFT prevention system, covering concessionaires, licensees, permit holders and online platforms. In land-based gambling, due diligence is triggered when a customer collects prizes, converts value or exchanges chips for amounts equal to or above 15 Minimum, Vital and Mobile Wages (SMVM); in online gambling, it begins from the start of the business relationship.
Representing CASCBA were Rodolfo Cattaneo, Executive Director; Guillermo Arias and Alejandro Ramella, legal representatives. The UIF delegation included Patricio Michlig, Vice President; Daniela Heredia, Deputy Director of Monitoring and Risk Assessment; Erica Geringer Zapico, Deputy Director of Legal Opinions; Marcelo Borrajo, Strategic Deputy Director within the Analysis Directorate; and Laura Domínguez, Director of Legal Affairs.
Matías Alvarez, President of the UIF, and Patricio Michlig, Vice President
As of September 2026, the UIF is chaired by Matías Gabriel Alvarez, appointed under Decree 291/2026, published on April 29; Patricio Michlig serves as Vice President.
The meeting also addressed unlicensed gambling, following FATF’s “Risks of Gaming and Gambling” report, published in September 2026. The document identifies illegal offshore gambling as a relevant ML/TF/PF risk and warns that in some jurisdictions the unregulated market may equal or exceed the regulated sector. The talks form part of the UIF Management Plan 2026-2030, aimed at strengthening risk-based supervision, public-private cooperation and technical compliance between the regulator and reporting entities.
