Misiones Province in Argentina Passes Legislation to Block Underage Access to Online Gambling
The province of Misiones in Argentina has taken a significant step forward in protecting its youth by enacting a new law aimed at safeguarding children and adolescents in the digital space. Following its official publication in the Official Gazette, the Law on the Protection of Children and Adolescents in Digital Environments and the Prevention of Online Betting seeks to address growing concerns about minors’ exposure to online gambling and the associated risks. Misiones Law Gambling
Approved by the Provincial Chamber of Representatives on June 18 and enacted through Decree No. 1,156, this legislation introduces a range of measures designed to curb underage gambling activity. Notably, it regulates online betting advertisements, tightens control over intermediaries known as “cashiers,” and mandates protocols for schools to respond to potential threats.
Argentina has seen a rising tide of concern over minors engaging with online betting platforms. Over the past year and a half, various initiatives have emerged across the country to prevent underage gambling and enforce stricter controls. The law’s most prominent feature is a ban on advertising online betting directed at minors, including the prohibition of using influencers, characters, or other child-related elements in promotional campaigns. Additionally, a registry has been established to monitor operators, advertisers, and agencies involved in online betting promotions within Misiones.
Operators are now required to implement mechanisms that prevent minors from being exposed to such advertisements and to retain relevant documentation for five years. Every gambling advertisement will also feature responsible gambling notices, providing information about risks and available support services.
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To bolster enforcement, the law introduces a digital reporting platform where violations can be flagged. Educational institutions will be tasked with following specific protocols when responding to viral online challenges or situations that could threaten minors’ safety. An early warning system, utilizing monitoring tools and artificial intelligence, will be established to identify and flag potentially risky situations involving children and teenagers. Those who fail to comply with the new regulations be they operators, intermediaries, or advertisers face administrative penalties.
Looking ahead, the province plans to dedicate funds for awareness campaigns, training initiatives, and programs aimed at addressing problem gambling within digital environments. A review process will be conducted every two years to assess the law’s impact on young people. An intersectoral advisory council will be created to oversee and support public prevention policies, and the province will observe the annual Healthy Digital Habits Week each February to promote safe online practices. At its core, the legislation reaffirms the prohibition of minors’ participation in any form of gambling: whether physical or virtual, reflecting Misiones’ unwavering commitment to child protection in the digital age. Misiones Law Gambling
