Buenos Aires, October 9, 2026. Lawmakers Facundo Tignanelli and Micaela Olivetto, from the ruling Fuerza Patria bloc, introduced a 64-article reform to tighten online gambling regulations, impose biometric controls, restrict advertising, and establish new financial contributions on a market generating US$1.656 billion in monthly betting volume.
Buenos Aires unifies 22 bills to tighten online gambling rules
The proposal, filed as D-3634/26-27, would amend Provincial Laws 15.079 and 15.131 and was presented at the Hall of Lost Steps of the Buenos Aires Provincial Legislature. Its sponsors aim to debate it on October 19, with the participation of Gonzalo Atanasof, president of the Provincial Institute of Lottery and Casinos (IPLyC), and secure approval in the lower house on October 20.
According to Tignanelli, licensed platforms generate US$70 million in monthly gross gaming revenue, of which approximately US$50 million would leave the country. The lawmaker attributed 85% of the sector’s capital to foreign investors. Seven authorized brands currently operate: bet365, Betano, Betsson, BetWarrior, BePlay, Sport.bet.ar, and Stake. The bill would require facial recognition for account access, deposits, and withdrawals; alerts after 30 minutes, automatic session termination after 60 minutes, and a 24-hour access ban following the third daily login. It would also prohibit promotional bonuses and restrict advertising and sponsorships.
Gonzalo Atanasof
On taxation, the proposal establishes a 3% levy on prizes paid out, allocating 85% to sports clubs and associations and 15% to sports scholarships. Additionally, operators would be required to contribute 100% of their advertising expenditure to a mental health fund, distributed between municipalities (70%) and the Ministry of Health (30%).
New licenses would require entirely Argentine-owned capital. Profits would remain subject to a 30-day holding period, extended to 180 days for foreign companies. The initiative would also create a Specialized Prosecutor’s Office for Illegal Online Betting, headquartered in La Plata, with powers to pursue urgent court-ordered blocking measures. The bill remains pending legislative approval.
