Proposal for a Full Ban on Online Betting in Buenos Aires Province

Buenos Aires provincial senator Federico Fagioli has submitted a bill that would ban all licensed online betting and casino games in Argentina's most populous province. Fagioli, of Fuerza Patria, wants Articles 146 to 173 of Law 15.079, which regulates online betting, to be repealed. The bill has been nicknamed the "Lula Law," a reference to Brazil's recent federal ban.

The ban covers online sports betting, casino games and other virtual games played for money. Official lotteries, quiniela and draws would remain available. The restrictions would apply to customers located in the province, regardless of where the operator is based. Existing permits would expire automatically 30 calendar days after the law takes effect, and no new licenses would be issued.

Operators would have to stop new deposits as soon as the law takes effect. Within 10 calendar days, they would have to block new games and sessions, remove advertising and promotions, and close access for users in the province. Within the following 30 days, they would have to refund available balances and submit individual reports to the Provincial Lottery and Casino Institute. Sponsorships, affiliate marketing, influencer campaigns and bonuses would also be banned.

In the provincial legislature, there are more than 22 bills on online gaming in the Chamber of Deputies and at least three in the Senate. A 64-article proposal drafted by Facundo Tignanelli and Micaela Olivetto would keep the licensed system while introducing facial biometrics and a 60-minute session limit. No other proposal calls for a full ban. Tignanelli said he personally favors a ban, but that it would require national-level legislation.