Buenos Aires Seeks Update on Youth Gambling Plan
Buenos Aires provincial deputy Valentín Miranda has requested updated information from the government of Governor Axel Kicillof regarding the progress of the Comprehensive Plan aimed at preventing and addressing adolescent gambling addiction.
The program was introduced in July 2024 with the objective of reducing online gambling among minors through prevention, support and regulatory measures. Miranda’s request seeks clarification on whether the initiative remains active, which authorities are currently responsible for its implementation and how frequently the coordinating groups are meeting.
The original plan was launched through a joint effort involving several provincial authorities, including Health Minister Nicolás Kreplak, Security Minister Javier Alonso, Justice Minister Juan Martín Mena, former Education Director Alberto Sileoni and Gonzalo Atanasof, president of the Provincial Lottery and Casino Institute.
At the time, officials explained that the strategy would combine the work of seven ministries and public institutions through a dedicated task force focused on healthcare, education and enforcement measures linked to rising levels of online betting among teenagers.
Miranda argued that despite broad political agreement on the seriousness of adolescent gambling, there is still very little public information showing how effective the program has been since its launch nearly two years ago.
The deputy requested details about investigations, surveys and public policies connected to the issue, as well as information on the role played by the General Directorate of Culture and Education in tackling underage gambling.
He also asked for updates regarding school awareness campaigns, teacher training programs designed to identify gambling-related behavior among students and treatment or support services available for young people experiencing gambling addiction. In addition, Miranda requested figures showing how many individuals have received assistance and how families are involved in prevention and recovery efforts.
Another concern raised by the deputy was the lack of official statistical data related to underage gambling activity on betting websites. According to Miranda, the absence of reliable figures makes it more difficult for authorities to respond effectively.
Miranda stated that the request is intended to support cooperation between political groups and improve solutions aimed at addressing gambling addiction among adolescents.
The issue has also been linked to delays in implementing broader legislative initiatives. Earlier this year, the Buenos Aires Congress of Deputies approved the creation of a Commission on Gambling, Lottery and Prevention of Gambling Addiction to review gambling-related proposals. However, opposition lawmakers claim the commission has still not been formally established.
One proposal already approved in the Addiction Prevention Commission during November 2024 combined several opposition-backed initiatives focused on reducing underage gambling.
Miranda stressed that the wider concern involves the social, financial, educational and health consequences associated with adolescent gambling addiction. He said the issue can affect teenagers’ studies, careers, family relationships and both physical and mental well-being.
When the prevention plan was first introduced, Government Minister Carlos Bianco explained that it had been developed following instructions from Governor Kicillof to strengthen support for young people and improve regulation around gambling activity.
Health officials also cited a June 2024 survey involving 434 secondary school students, which found that 34% had participated in online gambling at least once.
The measures proposed under the plan included educational campaigns in schools, teacher training, IP blocking for gambling websites within educational institutions, biometric age verification systems and stricter rules surrounding gambling advertising.
