A new bill introduced in Buenos Aires Province aims to tighten restrictions on online betting advertising. It will expand measures to protect minors from gambling-related harm.
Proposed by Provincial Deputy Alejandra Lorden, the legislation coincides with the creation of the province’s Commission on Gambling, Lottery, and Gambling Addiction Prevention. Furthermore, beyond advertising restrictions, the bill includes prevention programs focused on identifying problematic gambling behavior in schools. It also calls for conducting psychosocial assessments. Additionally, it would establish a Provincial Child and Adolescent Mental Health Fund.
Lorden said the proposal seeks to prevent advertising techniques that associate gambling with social success. In particular, the bill aims to address those techniques targeting adolescents and other vulnerable groups.
Advertising Restrictions Expanded
The bill would prohibit gambling, alcohol, and tobacco advertising on billboards, digital screens, and public building facades. This ban would apply to areas within 300 meters of schools, sports facilities, and hospitals.
It would also ban gambling advertisements on provincially licensed television and broadcasting services between 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. As a result, this would reduce minors’ exposure to betting promotions.
New Rules for Digital Platforms
Online platforms and social media companies would be required to block gambling advertisements for users under the age of 18. They could achieve this by implementing age-based filtering systems.
The Buenos Aires Ministry of Health would oversee compliance and approve permitted advertising. In addition, it would investigate public complaints and impose sanctions. The Ministry would also run awareness campaigns highlighting the risks of gambling promotion for children and adolescents.
Youth Sports Sponsorship Ban
The proposal also targets gambling sponsorship in youth sports. If approved, gambling, alcohol, and tobacco branding would be prohibited on jerseys, shorts, socks, and other sportswear. This applies to official competitions involving minors.
The bill represents one of Argentina’s most comprehensive proposals to reduce young people’s exposure to gambling. It combines advertising restrictions, mental health initiatives, prevention programs, and tighter controls on youth sports sponsorship.
