The Government of Santa Fe has officially confirmed that it will launch a public tender for online sports betting licenses on March 3. Through this process, the province will authorize operators to legally offer online sports betting services within its territory. The Santa Fe Lottery will oversee the tender, which will have an international scope and is expected to result in multiple licenses being awarded.
Interested companies may submit their proposals until March 2 at the Subsecretariat of Contracting and Asset Management, located in Santa Fe’s Civic Center. The authorities will then open and publicly disclose the submitted offers on March 3 at 12:00 p.m. at the Government Administrative Center. By setting a clear timeline and centralized process, Santa Fe aims to ensure transparency and competitiveness from the outset.
Multi-Operator Model and Revenue Sharing
Unlike many other jurisdictions, Santa Fe plans to authorize multiple operators, provided they meet the “fit and proper” criteria defined by the regulatory framework. Each licensed operator will contribute a minimum of 15% of its monthly gross results to the provincial government. This revenue-sharing model is designed to generate consistent public income while maintaining a competitive market structure.
Licenses will remain valid for up to 10 years, with the option of a two-year extension if the government approves it. As a result, operators will gain long-term certainty, while the province retains the ability to reassess market conditions over time.
Legal Foundations of the Tender
The tender follows the approval of Law No. 14,427, which the Santa Fe Legislature passed at the end of last year. This law establishes the regulatory basis for online gaming and defines the rules governing the licensing process.
According to the legislation, the province aims to eliminate illicit gambling by redirecting players toward regulated platforms. At the same time, the framework prioritizes state oversight, transparency, and effective tax collection. It also emphasizes responsible gambling policies, the prevention of problem gambling, and strict compliance with anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing standards set by the UIF and FATF.
Scope of Authorized Betting Activities
Under Law No. 14,235, its regulatory decree, and the tender specifications, licensed operators may offer online betting on a wide range of sports competitions. These include past, present, and future events, as long as the competent authority authorizes them.
In addition, license holders may operate betting platforms covering sports wagering, horse racing under approved modalities, virtual events, and other betting products that regulators may authorize in the future. This flexible scope allows the market to evolve alongside technological and consumer trends.
Stronger Oversight and Market Control
Through this internationally open and tightly regulated tender, Santa Fe seeks to strengthen oversight of its online betting market. By promoting competition, protecting consumers, and keeping betting revenues within the province, the government positions itself as a regulatory leader in Argentina’s digital gaming space. Ultimately, the tender marks a significant step toward a more controlled, transparent, and sustainable online betting ecosystem.
