Argentina’s government has approved a bold new initiative that will put a stop to online betting sponsorships and advertising. This measure intends to fight gambling addiction and protect vulnerable people, especially kids and teenagers. The Chamber of Deputies approved the bill in late November 2024. Now, the Senate will discuss it further.
This legislation might change Argentina’s sports and advertising industries forever. Let us explore how this new law could impact the revenue streams of sports teams and media outlets that rely on online betting sponsorships.
Key Facts About the Bill
The legislation aims to remove all kinds of advertising, promotion, and sponsorship linked to online betting. It stops digital ads, social media promotions, outdoor displays, and sponsorship deals with sports teams or athletes. It even limits the use of famous people or influencers in gambling promotions to reduce messages that attract young people.
Gambling companies will not be able to give welcome bonuses and must use strict biometric ID methods. These measures seek to prevent minors from entering their platforms. Gambling ads are still to be allowed in authorized lottery halls or gambling places. However, they must include warnings about the dangers of compulsive gambling.
Will the Bill Affect Sports and Media?
This decision surprised Argentina’s sports world. Gambling sponsorships provide significant amounts of money. Big teams such as Boca Juniors and River Plate have huge deals with betting companies like Betsson and Codere. They might suffer big financial losses. In fact, Betsson’s $7.5 million deal with Boca Juniors and similar agreements across the Argentine Football Association (AFA) are now in jeopardy.
Critics argue that the ban could harm the sports and media sectors without offering alternative funding sources. Betting companies like Betsson have emphasized the economic benefits of regulated gambling, which contributes tax revenues and funds to sports. They argue for a more balanced approach, such as regulated advertising limits rather than outright bans.
Broader Context and Public Health Goals
The legislation comes as Argentina grapples with rising gambling addiction and underage betting issues. Nearly 78% of Argentine bettors reportedly use illegal platforms, which the government hopes to address with stricter advertising controls and biometric safeguards. Legislators also aim to create a unified national framework for gambling regulations, replacing the fragmented provincial system currently in place.
Supporters of the bill, including Deputy Mónica Frade, describe it as a necessary step to protect public health and address societal challenges linked to gambling. They hope the legislation will reduce harm to vulnerable populations and spark a broader conversation about the impact of new technologies on addiction.
Looking Ahead
The bill’s future now depends on Senate approval, where stakeholders, including football clubs, betting operators, and civic groups, will have the chance to influence its final form. As Argentina’s 2025 midterm elections approach, there is a push to enact the law swiftly before potential shifts in political priorities.
While the ban is celebrated as a move toward greater accountability and public health protections, it also raises concerns about its economic ripple effects on Argentina’s sports and media industries. Balancing these competing priorities will likely be a key focus in the coming months.
