Authorities in the Argentine province of San Juan have raised the alarm over a surge in illegal online gambling, particularly among minors aged 16 to 17. The Caja de Acción Social (CAS) has identified more than 400 unauthorized betting websites and social media accounts promoting online gambling in the region.
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According to CAS director Juan Pablo Medina, the majority of these platforms operate without a license and often target young users through aggressive digital marketing campaigns. The rise in teenage participation is fueled by easy access to smartphones and unregulated exposure to gambling content on social media.
In response, a dedicated monitoring unit has been established within the CAS to track and report illicit gambling operations. However, legal limitations continue to hinder effective enforcement, as blocking these sites requires cooperation at the national or international level.
The provincial government recently passed new legislation to regulate online gambling, limiting the number of legal operators to five and enforcing strict requirements, including proof of solvency and local establishment. The law also bans access to gambling sites for minors, people receiving social benefits, or those in default on child support payments.
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Despite these efforts, the growing popularity of unregulated gambling among Argentine youth underscores a broader national crisis. Experts warn that without stronger controls and nationwide coordination, underage gambling could spiral further out of control.
