Crypto Casino
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Cryptobookmakers
Argentina is a large and dynamic online betting market, but the use of cryptocurrencies in legal gambling is not allowed, and regulation is built at the provincial and city level of Buenos Aires. This creates a contrast: local licensed operators operate in pesos and under the control of regulators, while offshore "crypto bookmakers" serve demand outside licenses and without local supervision.
1) Legal framework: who allows and what exactly is prohibited
Decentralization. There is no single federal "online law" in the country; each of the 24 jurisdictions (provinces + CABA) regulates iGaming differently. Basic principle: Games are prohibited unless expressly authorized by the competent authority.
Currency unit. In licensed products, calculations should be made in Argentine pesos; Virtual currencies are not authorized. In a number of jurisdictions, operations go through state-owned banks (e.g. CABA and prov. Buenos Aires).
Supervision and "play it legal." The Buenos Aires Lottery directly emphasizes the framework of the "safe and legal game," conducting an educational campaign against illegal sites.
Conclusion: in 2025, "crypto-only/offshore" cannot work under local licenses, because crypto payments are not allowed as a payment method for gambling.
2) AML/KYC and pressure on the gray zone
Updating AML mode. In 2024, Law No. 27 was adopted. 739, which strengthened the anti-money laundering system and included service providers with virtual assets (VASPs/PASVs) in the perimeter of regulation and reporting.
FATF score (2024). The Intergovernmental Panel noted the strengthening of AML/CFT laws and processes in Argentina compared to 2010 and continued work on virtual asset risks.
Enforcement and focus on illegal. In 2024, the authorities conducted large-scale raids and arrests in cases related to including illegal online gambling and crypto crime; the topic intensified amid discussions with FATF.
Practical effect: even if a player replenishes an offshore crypto operator through an exchange, the local entry point (VASPs) falls under AML supervision, and the operator itself remains outside the jurisdiction of provincial iGaming regulators.
3) Provincial mosaic: how licensed online operators operate
CABA and prov. Buenos Aires - the most developed jurisdictions with online, strict payment and advertising rules; calculations - in pesos, with financial control and responsible gambling.
By country as a whole: a number of provinces allow online casinos/betting, others only betting, conditions and fees vary; most have mandatory RG tools and hard KYC.
4) How "crypto bookmakers" work de facto (and why it's illegal)
Typical user path (de-facto): crypto wallet → deposits offshore → rates → withdrawal to crypto → exchange from VASP. Legal problem in Argentina:1. The operator himself does not have a local license (or acts outside the permitted payment scheme).
2. Crypto payments in gambling are not authorized, which means that the product does not meet the requirements of the jurisdiction.
Additionally: in 2025, the Senate is discussing the "law on the protection of players" (restrictions on promotions, protection of minors, etc.), which will further tighten the gray advertising and influencer activation of offshore brands.
5) Risks for players and businesses
Legal risks. No local license = no local mechanisms for consumer protection and regulatory arbitration.
Financial risks. Potential blockages/disputes without guaranteed payment jurisdiction; increased monitoring of VASP chains ↔ offshore.
Advertising and compliance risks. Increased restrictions on gambling promotion; risks for media and influencers advertising illegal immigrants.
6) What do "white" operators do instead of crypt
They accept pesos and use permitted local payment rails under the control of the provincial regulator.
Tighten CCM/age control in accordance with the updated AML framework and responsible play practices.
Develop RG tools (limits, self-exclusion, informing). Map 2025 confirms the spread of such responsibilities across the country.
7) Market entry guidelines (for legal players)
1. Start with "heavy" jurisdictions - SAVA/prov. Buenos Aires: built licensing, proven payment processes, recognizable regulators.
2. Strict compliance with AML/KYC subject to Law 27. 739 and the status of VASP counterparties (reporting, monitoring, audit).
3. Zero share of crypto payments in gambling: until crypto is authorized for betting/casino - use only pesos and allowed methods.
4. Content strategy without gray ads: focus on "play legally," RG and local social initiatives so as not to fall under future advertising restrictions.
8) Forecast to 2030
Regulation: basic scenario - continuation of the "provincial puzzle," point tightening of advertising and protection of minors; a single federal framework looks unlikely in the short term.
Crypto payments: so far there are no signs of an imminent admission of crypto in legal products; the state's focus is on controlling VASP and AML risks. Any liberalization will require a separate permissive circuit and, probably, a peso-quotation.
Market: legal operators will strengthen UX, local payment bridges and RG practices, and offshore crypto-first brands will remain in the "gray zone" with increased barriers to promotion and onboarding.
FAQ
Can I legally accept/bet in cryptocurrency in Argentina?
No, it isn't. In licensed gambling, calculations are in Argentine pesos; Virtual currencies are not authorized.
Why are offshore crypto bookmakers popular?
Due to the macroeconomics and convenience of crypto wallets; however, it is out of local license and without consumer protection. AML amplification and VASP control increase risks.
What to check the player to play legally?
License in your jurisdiction (CABA/province), peso calculations, RG warnings, mention of a local regulator (e.g. Lotería de la Ciudad).
Are new nationwide bans coming?
Initiatives to protect players and limit advertising are discussed; details and timing depend on Congress. Stay tuned.
For Argentina in 2025, "crypto bookmakers" = offshore and illegal: the provincial iGaming model requires peso calculations and full AML/KYC control. The market strategy on the horizon until 2030 is to strengthen the legal segment and consistently "squeeze" the gray zone through payments, advertising and supervision of VASP.