Cybercrime Investigation Leads Argentina to Shut Down 251 Illegal Betting Platforms
In a decisive move against illegal gambling, Argentina’s National Communications Agency (Enacom) has ordered internet providers to block access to 251 online betting websites operating without proper licenses. This action follows a court order issued in Buenos Aires, stemming from a dedicated cybercrime investigation targeting offshore and unlicensed platforms accessible within the province. Argentina Illegal Betting
The agency’s directive instructs internet service providers to shut down these sites, marking a significant step in the country’s ongoing efforts to regulate online gambling. The crackdown was prompted by a court ruling in Buenos Aires province, emphasizing the government’s commitment to combat illegal betting operations. This initiative aligns with an ongoing cybercrime probe conducted by authorities in the San Isidro judicial district. It signifies another chapter in Argentina’s fight to curb unregulated online gambling activities.
The case originated from a complaint filed by the Argentine Chamber of Casino, Bingo, and Annexed Halls. According to reports cited by local media, many of the targeted websites were operating without the necessary authorization to offer games of chance. These platforms also lacked essential safeguards, such as age verification and identity checks for users.
The investigation was led by the Specialized Prosecutor’s Office for Cybercrime Investigations in San Isidro, under Prosecutor Patricio Ferrari. Authorities examined offshore and unlicensed gambling platforms accessible to residents of Buenos Aires, despite the absence of local approval.
Sources from the judiciary revealed that numerous sites operated outside Argentina’s regulatory framework, with many users complaining about difficulties in withdrawing winnings. Concerns were also raised about the platforms’ weak compliance controls, which could facilitate fraud, endanger consumer protection, and enable minors to access these sites.
Prosecutors highlighted the risk posed to minors, noting that some platforms actively targeted adolescents. These sites allegedly recruited young users and later involved them as intermediaries, handling payments in exchange for small commissions. Ferrari emphasized the importance of coordinated efforts, stating, “The work was coordinated with the Provincial Lottery and Casino Institute of Buenos Aires province, the body responsible for licensing legal online operators in the district.” He added that addressing gambling-related harm among children requires collaboration across both public institutions and private stakeholders.
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The issue resonates beyond regulation. A 2025 UNICEF Argentina survey revealed that one in four adolescents aged 12 to 17 had engaged in online betting, amounting to over half a million minors nationwide. This latest action follows previous enforcement efforts. In June 2024, a probe led by Prosecutor Alejandro Musso led Enacom to block 55 websites streaming sports illegally. At the provincial level, authorities have also been active. In December, Gonzalo Atanasof, president of the Buenos Aires Provincial Lottery and Casino Institute, filed complaints concerning 300 illegal betting sites operating without authorization in various districts, including Lomas de Zamora, La Matanza, and San Isidro
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The primary goal was to identify the operators behind these sites and investigate potential links to crimes such as money laundering and tax evasion. Despite these efforts, legislative progress to give authorities stronger powers remains stalled. A federal bill introduced in 2024 aimed to enhance the ability to block illegal gambling websites. Although it passed an initial vote in the Chamber of Deputies, it later lost momentum in parliament. Until new laws are enacted, enforcement continues to rely on court orders, telecommunications blockades, and provincial regulatory actions tools that have been instrumental in recent measures, especially in cases involving consumer fraud or underage gambling. Argentina Illegal Betting
