The Cámara de Diputados de la Provincia de Buenos Aires has approved the creation of a dedicated legislative body to oversee gambling and betting policy across the province.

During the opening session of the legislative year, lawmakers established the Commission on Gambling, Lottery, and Prevention of Gambling Addiction — a move aimed at centralizing debate and strengthening oversight of both land-based and online betting.

Broad Regulatory Mandate

The newly formed commission will evaluate and issue opinions on matters related to:

  • Regulation and authorization of gambling activities
  • Control and supervision of betting operations
  • Online gambling platforms and digital technologies
  • Advertising, promotion, and sponsorship practices
  • Public policies addressing problem gambling

Lawmakers described the initiative as a response to the “substantial accumulation” of gambling-related legislative proposals requiring structured and specialized review.

Focus on Youth Protection and Public Health

A key component of the commission’s mandate is the prevention and treatment of gambling addiction, with particular emphasis on protecting minors.

Deputies highlighted the need to analyze:

  • Prevention and assistance programs
  • Public health impacts of gambling
  • Social and economic consequences
  • Measures ensuring comprehensive protection of children and adolescents

The explicit reference to minors reflects growing concern about youth exposure to online betting platforms and gambling-related advertising.

Advertising Restrictions Under Development

Parallel to the commission’s creation, the Instituto Provincial de Lotería y Casinos is working on a framework to regulate gambling advertising.

Its president, Gonzalo Atanasof, confirmed that restrictions are under consideration in response to the increasing visibility of online betting promotions.

According to Atanasof, while only around 15% of the market is currently represented by legal gambling platforms, their advertising presence is significant across media channels. He noted concerns that aggressive marketing may stimulate gambling interest among minors, potentially pushing them toward unlicensed operators.

The proposed regulatory framework aims to:

  • Limit excessive advertising
  • Reduce youth exposure to gambling content
  • Strengthen responsible gaming safeguards

A Structured Governance Approach

The establishment of the commission signals a more coordinated and preventive approach to gambling governance in Argentina’s largest province.

By centralizing legislative review and combining it with advertising reform efforts, Buenos Aires lawmakers appear focused on balancing:

  • Market oversight
  • Consumer protection
  • Youth safeguarding
  • Responsible gaming policies

As discussions evolve, decisions made in Buenos Aires could influence broader national conversations about online betting regulation and advertising standards across Argentina.