Argentinian lawmaker Diego R. Garciarena is calling on the public to back a bill. This bill aims at tackling child gambling addiction and strengthening online gambling regulation across the country.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), the Radical Civic Union representative from Buenos Aires shared an online form. Here, Argentine citizens can sign in support of the legislation. The move reflects Garciarena’s frustration with the Buenos Aires Legislature. He says the legislature remains gridlocked despite growing concern over gambling-related issues.
Garciarena’s bill, introduced late last year, proposes the mandatory use of biometric validation systems for online betting platforms. The bill also includes stricter licensing rules and tighter oversight of gambling promotion on social media.
In his social media post, he criticized Buenos Aires Governor Axel Kicillof and his administration for “looking the other way” as online gambling grows with little oversight. “Online betting is advancing unchecked,” Garciarena warned. He stressed, “Our bill aims to prevent childhood gambling addiction.”
He also shared a video citing local news reports that highlight a surge in gambling-related issues in schools. The Association of Private Schools of Argentina has raised alarms about gambling ads and free bonuses allegedly targeting children. These ads often reach children without the knowledge of parents or teachers.
Argentina currently lacks a unified national gambling law, with each of its 23 provinces regulating the sector independently. Garciarena hopes citizen pressure can help accelerate the bill’s progress and break the legislative stalemate.
To ensure authenticity, the support form requires users to enter their National Identity Document (DNI) number. This restriction limits signatures to Argentine citizens only.
