LOTBA and Santa Fe Lottery Gain PLA/FT Certification

The Lottery of the City of Buenos Aires (LOTBA) and the Social Assistance Fund of the Santa Fe Lottery have been awarded Level 1 certification under the Technical Standard for the Prevention of Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing (PLA/FT), granted by the Ibero-American Corporation of State Lotteries and Betting (Cibelae).

The recognition was presented during the II Ibero-American Lottery Marketing Seminar, held in Buenos Aires from May 31 to June 2. LOTBA President Jesús Mariano Acevedo and Santa Fe Lottery President Daniel Di Lena accepted the distinction on behalf of their respective organizations.

According to Cibelae, the Level 1 certification confirms that state gaming operators have implemented measures aimed at preventing money laundering and terrorism financing. The evaluation process includes a detailed review of internal policies, operational procedures, control mechanisms and compliance frameworks established by the organizations.

During the event, Carolina Galtieri, a member of Cibelae’s PLA/FT Technical Commission and coordinator of the team responsible for developing the standard, highlighted the importance of the certification.

Cibelae stated that the achievement reflects the strength of the administrative structures within both LOTBA and the Santa Fe Lottery, while also demonstrating their commitment to international transparency standards in the regulated gaming and betting industry.

With the latest additions, seven organizations across Latin America now hold Level 1 certification under the PLA/FT Technical Standard. These include Lottopar and CAIXA Loterias from Brazil, the Lottery of Concepción in Chile, the Institute of Financial Assistance for Social Action (IAFAS) from Argentina’s Entre Ríos province and the National Charity Lottery of El Salvador.

LOTBA has also expanded its initiatives against illegal gambling in recent months. One of its main projects, “Talking is Winning,” focuses on raising awareness among children, teenagers and families about the risks linked to illegal betting.

The regulator was additionally involved in the restriction of Polymarket’s websites and mobile applications in Argentina following a joint investigation with the Specialized Prosecutor’s Office for Gambling. Argentina became the first country in Latin America to take action against the prediction market platform.

Another initiative introduced by LOTBA was “Hack the Hook” , an educational program showcased during CyberCity 2026. The project aimed to help families, educators and internet users better understand how illegal gambling platforms attract players online.

LOTBA has also worked alongside the Specialized Prosecutor’s Office for Gambling to provide educational training for more than 40 influencers regarding the risks associated with promoting illegal betting platforms. The sessions were designed to strengthen awareness around youth protection and responsible communication.

In addition, the organization signed a cooperation agreement with the Buenos Aires Council of Magistrates to develop a prevention guide focused on online betting. The guide offers recommendations, digital safety advice and support resources for parents, students and teachers.

The regulator has further organized educational sessions for individuals involved in gambling-related offenses, working with judicial authorities in Buenos Aires to explain the legal consequences of illegal betting and promote awareness of the regulated gaming environment.