Buenos Aires bill proposes total online casino ban
The Key Points at a Glance
A bill in Buenos Aires, Argentina, aims to ban online casinos in order to protect minors from the dangers of gambling. The proposal was introduced by city legislator Gabriel Solano, who points to the increasing exposure of children and adolescents to gambling advertisements. Despite existing measures to regulate gambling, Solano is calling for a complete ban on online casinos.
Online Casinos in the Crosshairs: Protecting Minors as a Priority
City legislator Gabriel Solano from Buenos Aires has submitted a bill that aims to completely ban online casinos. The primary reason for this move is the protection of minors, who are increasingly being exposed to gambling advertisements. Solano emphasizes that teenagers and children, in particular, are being lured into gambling by ads often seen on sports jerseys. The growing popularity of online gambling poses a particular danger in this regard.
Advertising as a Trigger for Problematic Gambling Behaviour
Solano highlights that advertising plays a central role in the spread of gambling among minors. According to studies, 34% of children have already seen advertisements for betting companies. These figures are alarming and underscore the urgency of taking action. Solano argues that the current legal framework is insufficient to protect the youngest and most vulnerable members of society.
Adults in Financial Trouble Also Affected
But it’s not just minors who are at risk. Solano also points to the dangers faced by adults, who increasingly turn to gambling as a supposed solution to economic problems. Many people struggling with financial difficulties see gambling as a quick way out, but this often leads to even greater problems. This reinforces the need to regulate or completely block access to online casinos.
Existing Measures: A First Step, but Not Enough
In Buenos Aires, initial steps were taken at the beginning of 2024 to further regulate gambling. In May, stricter penalties were introduced for operators who fail to restrict access to adults. In June, Buenos Aires Mayor Jorge Macri halted the issuance of new licenses for gambling operators. Additionally, a campaign was launched to limit gambling advertisements targeting children. Despite these efforts, Solano believes these measures are insufficient and is calling for a complete ban on online casinos.
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Call for a Complete Ban
Solano believes that only a complete ban on online casinos can effectively protect the children of Buenos Aires from the dangers of gambling. He is calling for the swift implementation of this ban to prevent further harm. In his view, while the existing measures are a step in the right direction, they are not enough to tackle the problem at its root.
Our Assessment
Gabriel Solano’s initiative shows that the issue of gambling and the protection of minors is being taken seriously in Buenos Aires. The existing regulations are a sign that the government has recognized the problem. However, it remains questionable whether a complete ban on online casinos is the right approach. It could lead players to turn to unregulated, potentially unsafe platforms. A balanced solution that considers both the protection of minors and the needs of adult players would be ideal.