Online gambling: regulation by region (Argentina)

Online gambling in Argentina: regulation by region

Key principle

Argentina is a federation. Gambling is prohibited by default until authorised by a competent local authority. This principle is enshrined in regional practice and since December 2016 has been included in Art. 301 bis of the Criminal Code: the operation of games without permission is punishable by imprisonment.

The big picture

There is no "national" license: each of the 24 entities (23 provinces + CABA) sets its own rules for the admission of online operators, technical standards and advertising restrictions.

Payment and domain policies depend on jurisdiction; in some regions local markers of legality are provided (see below about. bet. ar).

Regional framework: where and how online is allowed

1) CABA (Buenos Aires City) - LOTBA

The city regulator LOTBA S.E. maintains a standard for online games (sections on technical requirements, control and RG). CABA has strict authorization and compliance rules for platforms. (Benchmark - arches/reviews for Argentina).

2) Buenos Aires Province - IPLyC (BA)

Decree 181/2019 approved the regulation of Law 15. 079 by online segment.

Resolution 791/2019 established technical specifications for operator systems (traceability, reporting, audit, etc.).

For the consumer: legal sites of the province are required to have a domain '.bet. ar`; the age threshold is 18 + (official register and memos of the regulator).

3) Mendoza Province - IPJyC

Law 9267 (2020) gave IPJyC the authority to issue up to 7 licenses for online games.

Regulation 554/2022 detailed the operation, control and audit of online; in 2023, a license was held with the launch of the first platforms.

The "Juego en Línea Mendoza" portal has published documents and a direction management structure.

4) Province of Córdoba - Lotería de Córdoba

Law 10. 793 (2021) settled online games with a focus on fighting illegal and protecting the consumer.

In September 2024, amendments were adopted (Law 10. 986): updated certain provisions (including on juvenile access/control), the law is in force.

💡 Important. In addition to these centers, other provinces have adopted the online framework (for example, San Luis, Entre Rios, Neuquen, Rio Negro, Santa Fe, etc.). But procedures, taxes and technical requirements vary; verify the official sites of specific regulators.

How to check the legality of the site (step by step)

1. Determine jurisdiction: legally - only in the province/SAVA where the operator received permission. Check the brand/legal entity in the register of the local regulator (LOTBA, IPLyC BA, IPJyC, Lotería de Córdoba, etc.).

2. Buenos Aires Province: Look for domain '.bet. ar 'and the "Juego Online" section on the regulator's website with lists of licenses.

3. Mendoza: focus on the Juego en Línea Mendoza portal (laws, regulations, platform list).

4. Cordova: Check the current version of Law 10. 793 and publications on amendments/bylaws.

What varies by region (and why it matters)

Types of approved products: casino games and bets are allowed somewhere, somewhere only bets/lotto.

Technical standards: for example, BA - own Technical Regulations 791/2019; Mendoza - Regulation 554/2022.

Labeling/domains: unique case BA s.bet. ar.

Edits and updates: Cordova in 2024-2025. pointwise updates the law to strengthen the protection of minors/advertising.

Enforcement and criminal liability

Even with the "mosaic" of regions, there is a single criminal norm: Art. 301 bis of the Criminal Code qualifies the illegal exploitation of gambling as a crime. Regulators actively remind of responsibility and publish signs of legal sites/points.

Frequent questions

Does the CABA/BA online license entitle you to operate nationwide?

No, it isn't. Permission is valid only in the relevant jurisdiction; another province needs a separate ground/clearance.

Why BA requires the domain '.bet. ar`?

This is the official legality marker for sites admitted by IPLyC BA; the regulator directly indicates that this zone is mandatory for provincial players.

Where is the quickest place to see "what is allowed" in Mendoza?

In the section "Reglamentación/Juego en Línea" on the IPJyC website: there are law 9267, and regulation 554/2022, and certificates of licenses.

Mini checklist for players and operators

To the player

Check jurisdiction (local regulator register), age 18 + and domain zone (in BA - mandatory. bet. ar).

Explore the RG (responsible play) sections and deposit/self-exclusion restrictions - these are mandatory on legal platforms.

To the operator

Build a strategy as a multi-jurisdictional project: individual licenses/tenders, local technical audits and reporting (BA - 791/2019; Mendoza - 554/2022).

Track edits (example: Cordoba 10. 986/2024) and public clarification by regulators.

Online gambling in Argentina is 24 mini-markets, united by a single criminal ban on illegal immigrants and very different in details of admission. Practical navigation is simple: see the local regulator, for BA - look for '.bet. ar ', for Mendoza - the portal Juego en Línea, for Cordoba - Law 10. 793 (+ edits). Everything else is about the correct choice of jurisdiction, transparent compliance and responsible play.

Sources and references: ICLG 2025 (general framework and principle "prohibited unless permitted"); LOTBA/IPLyC BA (Decree 181/2019; Res. 791/2019; `.bet. ar`); Mendoza's IPJyC (Law 9267; Regulation 554/2022; institutional pages); Lotería de Córdoba (Law 10. 793 and amendments 10. 986/2024); materials of regulators about Art. 301 bis of the Criminal Code.