Argentine Senate to Take Up Online Betting Bill

On November 6, Bullrich said in a statement that senators would consider the regulation in the coming weeks to prevent gambling harm among children and restrict online betting advertising. In a post on X, Bullrich said that gambling addiction among children is not a game, and conveyed the message that the Senate would take up this law.

The statement came just days before Pope Leo XIV's visit to Argentina. The Social Service Episcopal Commission (CEPAS), which is part of the Catholic Church, also launched a petition calling on senators to approve the bill. In a letter sent to senators, CEPAS warned that "doing nothing is also a decision."

According to Ámbito, the bill is planned to be discussed in committee before November 20. However, Bullrich's circle has not set a date for a plenary session or a vote. The Senate's Health, General Legislation, and Justice and Criminal Affairs committees began working on these bills in a joint session in October.

According to La Nación, the bill remains in the legislative process until March 1, 2027. For it to be discussed after November, the government must include it in extraordinary sessions. Any changes the Senate makes will send the text back to the Chamber of Deputies. In the Chamber of Deputies, the bill was approved on November 27, 2024, with 139 votes in favor, 36 against, and 59 deputies abstaining.

Under the bill, online betting advertising would be banned on television, radio, social media, and other channels. The ban would also cover promotions by influencers and public figures. Betting sponsorships of sports, stadium naming rights, and betting ads on team jerseys would also fall under the ban. Advertising at licensed gambling venues, betting shops, and lottery sales points would be permitted, provided that mandatory warnings are added.