Argentina Lawmaker Calls for Urgent Action on Gambling Reforms

Argentine Senator Beatriz Ávila has urged Congress to act swiftly on two long-pending bills aimed at protecting minors from gambling exposure and regulating online betting advertising. Both proposals have already cleared the Chamber of Deputies and now await discussion in Senate committees.

Good to Know

• The bills frame underage gambling as a public health issue rather than only a regulatory concern.
• The measures seek to regulate gambling ads and limit exposure among minors.
• Lawmakers are expected to resume debate in Senate committees in the coming weeks.

Ávila said the growing presence of online gambling among children and teenagers demands immediate action, warning that delays caused by political distractions could deepen the problem. She described gambling addiction among minors as an issue that “does not distinguish between age or social class.”

Under the proposed legislation, gambling advertisements would be subject to strict rules designed to prevent minors from being targeted or exposed. The bills also call for preventive education programs in schools to teach young people about the risks of gambling and how to recognize early signs of addiction.

“We’ve been working on this for a long time and it’s urgent that we act,” Ávila said. “The testimonies confirm that there is a dramatic reality behind online messages that affect children and teenagers.”

The senator’s initiatives come as Argentina experiences a surge in digital betting platforms, many of which market heavily through social media. Several civic and educational institutions have appealed to lawmakers to set firmer limits on gambling access and advertising.

Ávila emphasized that the issue has moved beyond regulation and now requires a coordinated response involving public health and education sectors. She urged fellow senators to finalize committee discussions and move the bills to the floor for a full vote.

Lawmakers are expected to revisit the proposals in upcoming sessions, with Ávila calling for swift approval to ensure stronger safeguards for minors and more responsible industry marketing practices.

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