Argentina, the second-largest country in Latin America, boasts a diverse gaming landscape. The federal model allocates regulatory authority to local jurisdictions, with 23 provinces and the autonomous city of Buenos Aires having control. Municipalities play a secondary role, overseeing land-based facilities. While there are no general definitions for gaming and gambling, each province and Buenos Aires city has its regulations.
The Argentine Civil and Commercial Code, until July 2015, included provisions on gaming. Post-August 2015, state-regulated games and bets fell outside its purview. Despite the prohibition of gaming without explicit authorization, Argentine society widely accepts and engages in gaming activities, especially in land-based casinos, horse racing tracks, betting shops, and lottery venues.
Online gambling faced challenges until late 2018 when Buenos Aires and Buenos Aires Province led in regulating the sector. While most provinces embraced online gaming, three, Tierra del Fuego, Santiago del Estero, and Salta, lacked specific regulations.
Constitutional provisions in Buenos Aires city and province limit the privatization of gaming but haven’t hindered online gaming regulation. State control and private enterprise coexist, with state-owned lottery and pool-betting products. Provinces have jurisdiction over gaming regulations, allowing private participation in management and distribution.
Argentina’s stance against offshore gambling involves stringent measures. Buenos Aires actively prosecutes overseas operators and even deems entities licensed in other provinces as offshore. Legal frameworks primarily reside at the local level, covering criminal, labor, and foreign exchange regulations.
With 24 competent authorities across provinces and Buenos Aires city, regulation is decentralized. Lotteries are state-owned, and private entities manage and distribute products. While the legal framework initially targeted land-based gaming, online regulations have evolved, encompassing both.
Land-based gaming thrives, with casinos, horse-racing tracks, and lottery venues widespread. In Buenos Aires, a floating casino, a horse-racing track, and numerous lottery venues cater to diverse preferences. Remote gambling is limited, regulated in specific provinces and restricted to players within those jurisdictions.
Unique to Argentina, only operators require licenses, with less scrutiny for suppliers and certifying laboratories. Transactions are conducted in Argentine pesos, and some jurisdictions mandate state-owned banks for gambling operations. Cryptocurrencies, while legal, lack authorization for gaming purposes.
In conclusion, Argentina’s gaming landscape reflects a nuanced interplay of legal frameworks, policies, and market dynamics. The country’s move towards online gaming regulation signifies a shift in the industry, offering opportunities for both state control and private enterprise to thrive in this evolving sector.
