Citing concerns about children’s increasing exposure to gambling, Buenos Aires city legislator Gabriel Solano has filed a bill to outlaw online casinos. This action is a result of multiple citizen concerns regarding the increased involvement of minors in betting activities, which are heavily influenced by advertising.
Solano highlighted how advertisements for betting companies, often displayed on sports jerseys, contribute to gambling’s rising appeal, particularly among teenagers and children. He stressed, “the rise of online gambling has become particularly problematic for teenagers and children,” and further explained that the current environment poses significant challenges in protecting vulnerable groups.
In addition to minors, Solano is concerned about adults facing financial difficulties. He pointed out that many workers, struggling with economic hardships, may view gambling as a quick fix for their problems, which could lead to greater risks for their financial well-being.
Previous Efforts and the Push for a Complete Ban
Buenos Aires put policies in place to address the gaming issue at the beginning of 2024. More severe sanctions were implemented in May for operators who don’t limit gaming to adults. In order to further tighten restrictions, Buenos Aires Chief of Government Jorge Macri halted the issue of new gaming licenses by June.
A campaign to restrict gambling advertisements directed towards children was started last month. Alarmingly, studies showed that 34% of kids have seen adverts for betting. Nonetheless, Solano denounced these initiatives as inadequate and demanded the total shutdown of internet gaming sites. He contends that the only way for Buenos Aires to adequately shield its children from the perils of gambling is to outlaw internet bookies, emphasizing the necessity for quick action to stop more damage.
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