Buenos Aires Senator Federico Fagioli has introduced legislation seeking to ban most forms of gambling in the province, following Brazil's recent betting ban. The proposed bill, referred to as the “Lula Law,” aims to repeal Chapter VIII of Provincial Law No. 15,079, replacing the current online gambling framework with a comprehensive prohibition. While lotteries, quinielas, and authorized draws would still be allowed, the legislation would outlaw online slots, roulette, blackjack, poker, and other games that involve monetary stakes and prizes.
Fagioli emphasized that digital platforms have eroded traditional barriers to gambling, enabling users to bet from any internet-connected device at any time. He expressed concerns that the growth of online gambling poses new challenges for provincial authorities tasked with regulation and harm prevention.
The bill also includes strict measures against advertising and user deposits. Licensed operators would not be allowed to accept new deposits or facilitate transactions for online gambling. Furthermore, any forms of direct or indirect advertising, promotions, bonuses, or sponsorship relating to online betting would be prohibited.
Operators would need to refund users’ remaining account balances and report to the Provincial Institute of Lotteries and Casinos on pending bets, outstanding prizes, and account balances.
Fagioli’s proposal contrasts sharply with a separate bill introduced by legislators Facundo Tignanelli and Micaela Olivetto, which seeks to enhance regulations and control measures for online gambling instead of imposing a total ban. Tignanelli argued that if a complete prohibition on online gambling were to be enacted, it should be done on a national level. The differing proposals reflect the varied perspectives among Buenos Aires lawmakers regarding the legal status of online gambling in Argentina. The Fagioli bill will need to undergo all legislative processes before becoming law.
