Salta Restricts Online Betting Advertising

The city council of Salta, Argentina, has approved an ordinance proposed by councilor Darío Madile that prohibits the direct and indirect promotion of online betting platforms through municipal spaces, media, and communication channels.

The rules apply to properties and platforms owned, managed, or operated by the municipality or under municipal concession. However, privately owned billboards that do not form part of municipal assets are excluded from the restrictions.

The ordinance covers betting advertising displayed on public property and municipal street furniture, as well as LED screens, digital kiosks, official websites, applications, social media accounts, and other communication channels operated by municipal institutions.

Promotional campaigns and content distributed through official city media will also be prohibited.

Ordinance Addresses Gambling Among Minors

Madile also highlighted concerns about online gambling among minors, citing a study showing that 24% of Argentine children aged 12 to 17 have played online at least once.

He pointed to the growing use of mobile devices for wagering and the greater accessibility this creates for young people.

“When a teenager, when a minor places a bet, they really do it from a cellphone and, in many cases, in private,” Madile said.

He added: “What we are achieving is that the casino is going to the child.”

Under the ordinance, those responsible for advertising that does not comply with the new rules must remove or modify it within 24 business days, unless the technical characteristics of the advertising medium require otherwise.

Breaches can result in sanctions against advertising concessionaires, marketing agencies, and gambling companies.

Fines to Support Prevention Programmes

The municipal executive will also be authorized to establish agreements with public, academic, and specialized institutions to develop prevention and awareness initiatives focused on problem gambling and the risks associated with online betting.

The responsible authority must introduce campaigns specifically targeting children, adolescents, and their families.

Money collected through fines imposed for violations of the ordinance will be allocated to finance these prevention and awareness initiatives.

ENREJA Examines Two Digital Betting Bills

At the provincial level, the Ente Regulador del Juego de Salta (ENREJA) is reviewing two proposed bills intended to strengthen regulation of digital betting platforms, with particular attention to protecting minors.

ENREJA reported that online gambling generated ARS16 billion in July 2026. This exceeded the ARS8.583 billion generated during 2025 through both online and land-based gambling.

Provincial lawmakers have raised concerns about underage betting and illegal bookmakers following increased activity around the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

ENREJA Warns About Unauthorized Gambling Platforms

ENREJA President Aníbal Caro presented the challenges facing the sector to provincial senators and emphasized the need for stronger safeguards.

Caro said technological developments can make illegal gambling accessible to vulnerable groups.

“They have taken advantage of the opportunities provided by technology to engage in activities that are not appropriate for people of that age. Legal gambling does not allow minors to participate, while illegal gambling does,” Caro said.

The proposals being examined in Salta are intended to strengthen oversight of digital betting platforms as the province addresses concerns surrounding responsible gambling and minors’ access to betting services.