The country of tango and great wine is also home to regulated gambling in both its land-based and online forms. The following paragraphs are your key to the gambling landscape in Argentina, how gaming licensing works, and how GamingLicensing can help you start your business there.
Gambling Rules and Law in Argentina
The way gambling is regulated in the country has much to do with the internal organisation of the country’s ruling system. Namely, Argentina is divided into 23 provinces and the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires.
As a federal republic, Argentina grants its provinces a great degree of autonomy when decision-making is concerned and as long as such decisions are in accordance with the constitution. It seems that gambling in the country has benefited the most from such an approach. Namely, every single province is entitled to choose whether to legalise gambling and its various forms. Most of them have jumped the bandwagon and regulated casino gambling, sports betting, and lotteries in their land-based and online forms.
However, when it comes to licensing, that kind of status and regulatory power is a ticket to colossal complications. The only primary regulator is ALEA – Asociación de Loterías, Quinielas y Casinos Estatales (Board of the Association of Lotteries, Pools and Casinos), a centralised database and a parent organisation of multiple provincial lottery and gaming regulators.
ALEA can provide detailed info on the fees, requirements, and many other aspects you need to consider when launching a gambling operation in Argentina.
The following is an example of how online gambling works in certain jurisdictions in Argentina and its financial structure.
Online Gambling in Provinces of Buenos Aires and Corrientes
The Province of Buenos Aires is a major province in Argentina, and even though it is legally distinct from the city of Buenos Aires, it still commands large crowds of gamblers. It has officially launched the process of selecting seven gambling operators that would be licensed to offer online gambling services in the province.
At the beginning of 2021, the selection was completed, and the companies that entered the market include some of the biggest names in the industry, such as William Hill, Playtech and 888 Holdings.
All licensees must pay a single AR$65 million (€625,000) fee and are also subject to a 25% gross revenue tax. All foreign companies that wish to apply for a license have to have a temporary union of companies (UTE) where a locally based company or a person will hold a minimum 15% stake in the operation. The principal regulator in the province is the Provincial Institute of Lottery and Casinos (IPLyC).
The province of Corrientes is another one that looks kindly on gambling. Namely, it has recently licensed online sports betting, casinos, and bingo. All gambling activities are overseen by the Corrientes Lottery and Casino Institute (ILCC).
Although it is not known how big of a fee the operators will have to pay, the regulator has already established specific rules regarding the advertising of gambling and other aspects. For example, deposit limits and self-exclusion programs are a must, as are other protective measures that safeguard vulnerable groups from the negative influence of excessive gambling.
What’s Next for Those Looking to Establish a Gambling Business in Argentina?
All companies and individuals looking to start an online gambling business in Argentina should consult GamingLicensing and receive the help they need. The gambling landscape in the country is evolving and becoming more open to new online casinos and sports betting sites. Setting up a successful gaming business in the country depends on the province and jurisdiction, the type of gambling, and many other factors, and our experts are there to give you all the details you may need.
