Federal gambling regulation sought in Argentina

If you thought the legislative and regulatory regimes for online gambling in the United States were complicated, spare a thought for Argentina operators struggling with different systems in 23 provinces and one autonomous city.

That could change going forward if the Association of Lotteries, Pools and Casinos (ALEA) – a trade association representing the interests of gambling companies in the South American nation – is successful in lobbying for a federal regulatory framework that respects the rights of the provinces but provides a more cohesive and consistent system for regulating online gambling throughout the country.

ALEA is currently working on a draft that it says will bring a more honest and coordinated approach to regulation and exclude unlicensed operators who do not contribute to the community or the government tax coffers.

It’s a long overdue overhaul of a confusing and allegedly corrupt, fragmented system which saw its first online casino licence issued as long ago as 2002, although only four licenses have been issued since then; all of them by provincial authorities.

ALEA is betting that the national government, presented with an opportunity to boost its scarce revenues and institute a nation-wide regulatory regime at the same time, will look favourably on the new proposals, which are said to include the usual precautions against underage, problem or criminal activity, alongside stringent probity and software accreditation and a physical presence in the country.

The proposed tax rate, always a key element in these situations, is at present not known.