Key Takeaways

  • Buenos Aires has ordered seven illegal gambling websites to be blocked following an investigation into unauthorized operations and reported gaps in age and identity verification.
  • Authorities are also targeting online gambling promotions, with 16 influencers reportedly agreeing to participate in a public-awareness campaign about the risks of unregulated betting.
  • The crackdown prioritizes consumer protection and underage gambling prevention, combining website-blocking measures with efforts to promote awareness of licensed gambling operators.

Authorities in Buenos Aires have ordered the blocking of seven illegal online gambling websites as part of an expanding crackdown on unauthorized betting operations and their promoters. The action follows an investigation that identified missing age-verification and identity checks on the platforms, raising concerns about minors accessing gambling services.

The Specialized Criminal Prosecutor’s Office for Gambling (FEJA) carried out the enforcement measures after courts approved the blocking orders. The Buenos Aires City Lottery (LOTBA) led the investigation, and the Argentine Chamber of Casinos, Bingos and Related Facilities also submitted complaints. Authorities are also pursuing promotional activity linked to unauthorized gambling, extending the focus beyond website operators.

Seven Unauthorized Gambling Platforms Identified in Buenos Aires During Investigations

Investigators found that the seven websites operated in Buenos Aires without the required authorization. Authorities said the platforms lacked safeguards intended to verify users’ identities and prevent underage gambling.

The investigation also identified websites that allegedly used names or branding resembling those of licensed gambling operators. This could confuse users and direct them towards unauthorized platforms.

Buenos Aires City Criminal, Misdemeanor and Petty Offenses Courts Nos. 4, 19 and 21 approved the blocking orders. The Judicial Investigations Corps of the city’s Public Prosecutor’s Office conducted the investigative work.

The case falls under Article 301 bis of Argentina’s Criminal Code, which addresses the unauthorized operation, administration, organization or exploitation of gambling activities. The proceedings are part of efforts to restrict illegal betting services and strengthen user protections. 

This crackdown comes in light of Brazil implementing a ban on online gambling, which could likely increase illegal gambling in the country. So Brazil could be moving in the same direction in the coming days. 

16 Influencers Reach Agreements With Prosecutors

The enforcement campaign has also extended to social media personalities accused of promoting illegal online casinos. FEJA reached agreements with 16 Argentine influencers who had been charged in connection with the promotion of unauthorized gambling platforms through their social media accounts.

The report named dancer Adabel Guerrero and sports journalist Flavio Azzaro. Under the agreements, the participants were required to use their public profiles to share an awareness campaign highlighting the risks of unregulated online gambling.

The campaign warned that illegal gambling websites may lack age restrictions and other safeguards, potentially exposing younger users to gambling-related harm. It also cautioned users about risks involving their money and personal information.

Alongside website blocks and influencer agreements, authorities are encouraging users to identify authorized gambling operators and consult LOTBA-provided responsible-gambling resources. 

The awareness campaign highlighted Argentina’s .bet.ar domain as an indicator associated with licensed online betting operators. It urged social media users and influencers not to promote or circulate links to unauthorized gambling websites. Users should still verify an operator’s license through the relevant regulator rather than relying on a domain name alone.

The crackdown underscores the challenges regulators face as gambling promotions circulate through social media and online communities. Website blocking can restrict access to identified platforms, while action against promotional activity addresses another route through which users may discover them.

Buenos Aires authorities are continuing efforts to address illegal gambling services, with particular attention to platforms that lack protections for minors. The latest measures bring website operators and online promoters into the same broader regulatory effort, although proceedings involving individual influencers remain separate from the court orders blocking the seven platforms.