In Buenos Aires, a group of lawmakers from the Union for the Homeland, led by Juan Manuel Valdés, are pushing for greater taxes on internet gambling. They contend that this action will aid in addressing the expanding problem of underage gaming.
The plan, which was submitted to the Buenos Aires Legislature last week, aims to change the 2025 budget that Jorge Macri’s administration has so far provided. Matías Lammens, Claudia Neira, Alejandro Grillo, Andrés La Blunda, and Maia Daer are among the legislators who support the initiative, which seeks to raise the gross income tax rate on online gaming enterprises from 6% to 12%. This rate is comparable to what casinos already receive.
Valdés and his colleagues intend to use the additional revenue to establish a Permanent Program for the Prevention of Cybergambling in city schools. The program would focus on educating students about the dangers of online gambling while also providing training to families and teachers to better recognize the issue.
Raising Awareness About Cybergambling in Schools
“New technologies transformed our society and allowed activities like gambling to move online,” Valdés explained. “But that shift has specific consequences, and it’s only fair that a portion of the profits go towards mitigating those effects. The mental health of children is not something we can ignore.”
The program aims to provide education on online gambling’s impact and help school communities address this problem proactively. Valdés emphasized the urgency of this issue, criticizing the government for prioritizing tax cuts for gambling companies over the well-being of youth.
“It is unforgivable that, amid this crisis of juvenile cybergambling, the Government is only thinking about reducing taxes for those who fill their pockets with gambling,” Valdés stated. “Our project demands an increase in the tax rate, and with those funds, we can finance an integral plan across all primary and middle schools in the city.”
The post Opposition Party Pushes for Increased Online Gambling Taxes in Buenos Aires appeared first on iGaming.org.