Prospects for unified regulation (Argentina)

Current model: "federation of 24 mini-markets"

Argentina regulates gambling at the provincial and city level of Buenos Aires (CABA). The national norm enshrines the ban by default if the activity is not authorized by the competent authority; actual licensing and oversight - in provincial lotteries and LOTBA in CABA. As a result, there is a "mosaic" of rules and requirements without a single federal regime.

What has changed in 2024-2025

Federal subpoena in Congress. In 2025, initiatives on national frameworks (protection of minors, advertising, responsibility) are being discussed, but a single law remains unfinished/postponed; the government disputes the boundaries of federal competence and provincial autonomy.

Bottom-up movement. Provinces are strengthening the fight against illegal sites and coordination of actions (blocking, lists of prohibited domains).

Role of ALEA. The Lottery Association (ALEA) promotes uniform responsible play standards and discusses a national auto-exclusion registry that would be in effect for all regulated operators.

What "unification" means for Argentina

In the context of the constitutional autonomy of the regions, it is most likely not "one common law on everything," but a layered model of minimum federal standards + provincial licenses. In practice, this may include:

1. Single federal "minimum" to protect players

general advertising/marketing and age verification rules;

mandatory RG tools (limits, timeouts) and a unified auto-exclusion registry, mandatory for all licensees.

2. Compatible AML/KYC compliance and reporting

unification of report formats and requirements for payment providers;

general principles for blocking illegal sites and payment channels (with subsequent implementation at the provincial level).

3. Harmonization of terms and shop windows

preservation of domain practice. bet. ar for legal operators and general requirements for displaying the license/jurisdiction on the site. (Today it is already a de facto standard from provincial and CABA practices.)

Initiatives that are already on the table

National Framework for the Advertising and Protection of Minors. Options for tightening advertising and federal restrictions were discussed; some of the proposals face criticism and questions about interference with provincial powers.

Single auto-exclusion and RG standards from ALEA. The package of agreements submitted for discussion by ALEA members in the fall of 2025 (including CABA and key provinces) involves the unification of practices without breaking the licensing structure.

Barriers to full unification

1. Constitutional autonomy. Regulation of games - "undelegated competence" of the provinces; any federal law must delineate minimum standards neatly without "rewriting" local licenses.

2. Different maturity of markets. CABA and Buenos Aires Province lead the way; other regions - at different stages of implementation of online modes and IT infrastructure.

3. Political risks. Discussions about tightening advertising/access for young people are popular, but cause controversy and veto threats, which hinders the development of a nationwide line.

Realistic Scenarios 2025-2027

Scenario A - Soft Unification (most likely)

Federal minimum standards for RG/advertising + national auto-exclusion, as well as recommended protocols for blocking illegal immigrants. Licensing and taxes remain with the provinces. The gain is less UX fragmentation and compliance while maintaining autonomy.

Scenario B - Provincial Coordination Agreements

Through ALEA - interoperability of lists, general APIs for verification of auto-exceptions, agreed formats for marketing reporting and RG. Federal law may not be required if most provinces sign a multilateral agreement.

Scenario C - Strong Federal Law (low probability short term)

A single law with strong interference in advertising, payment gateways and even licensing. Political conflict and legal disputes over autonomy are likely; risk of stalling the white market.

Implication for stakeholders

For operators and content providers

Establish compatibility with future national auto-exclusion registry and unified RG metrics.

Prepare "two-tier" compliance: federal standards + provincial conditions.

For investors

Baseline risk - regulatory fragmentation; softens as RG and advertising standardize. Monitor Congress and the ALEA Communist.

For the players

Regardless of the scenario, the rule remains: play with licensed sites of your jurisdiction; expect a single auto-exception and clearer advertising norms.

Argentina is closer to evolutionary unification: a common framework for responsible play, advertising and protection of minors, developed at the federal level and/or through ALEA, while maintaining provincial licensing. This approach reduces "friction" between 24 jurisdictions and strengthens the legal market without constitutional conflicts. Chronograph - 2025-2027, with key milestones around national auto exclusion and uniform RG standards.

Relevance: sources checked on October 12, 2025 (Europe/Kyiv).