San Juan Online Gambling Delay Raises Legal Concerns
More than a year after San Juan approved its Online Gambling Regulation Law, growing concern is emerging over the absence of implementing regulations. Despite the law’s formal approval, the lack of secondary rules has stalled its application, prompting warnings from the company holding gambling rights in the province that both public finances and legal certainty are being undermined.
That company, Empresa Impresora Internacional de Valores S.A.I. y C. (IVISA), has cautioned that prolonged regulatory delays are already producing negative economic and institutional consequences. According to IVISA, the absence of clear operational rules is affecting not only its business interests but also the provincial government’s ability to collect revenue.
Legal Uncertainty and Financial Consequences
Speaking to Diario Cuyo, IVISA commercial director Claudio Ronzoni said the regulatory standstill has created significant uncertainty. He stressed that without formal regulations, legal clarity is lacking, resulting in direct economic losses for the province. Ronzoni noted that the situation carries both fiscal and social repercussions, as the market remains unregulated despite the law being in place.
Existing Contractual Rights Under Pressure
IVISA’s concerns stem from its long-standing agreement with the Province of San Juan. In 2019, the company signed a contract with the provincial government, through the Caja de Acción Social (CAS), granting it exclusive rights to operate all gambling activities both land-based and online until 2039.
Although Law 2724-P, which governs online gambling, has been enacted, it has not yet been regulated. IVISA fears that once the licensing framework is implemented, authorities could apply new rules that conflict with the exclusivity provisions set out in the original agreement.
Ronzoni explained that this uncertainty raises questions about how IVISA’s contractual rights will be treated once online gambling licenses are formally issued. He said the company has gone public with its concerns in an effort to prevent future disputes, emphasizing that litigation could be avoided if clarity is provided now rather than after a tender process is launched.
Licensing Caps and Regulatory Ambiguities
One of the most contentious elements lies within the law itself. Law 2724-P establishes a cap of five online gambling licenses, to be awarded through public bidding for a ten-year term, with the option of a five-year extension.
IVISA argues that this framework contradicts its exclusive agreement with the province. From the company’s perspective, being required to participate in a public tender would directly undermine the rights it secured under the 2019 contract. With no regulations in place, there is currently no guidance on how this conflict will be resolved.
Further complicating matters is the nature of online gambling. While exclusivity applies to a defined territorial jurisdiction, online platforms inherently operate across digital borders, raising additional questions about enforcement and scope.
Revenue Losses and Illegal Market Expansion
Beyond legal issues, IVISA has highlighted the financial cost of regulatory inaction. Ronzoni estimates that San Juan’s online gambling market generates roughly ARS 600 million (approximately USD 413,000) each month. Under the existing legal framework, about 10% of that amount, roughly ARS 60 million would be directed to the province through the CAS.
According to Ronzoni, that revenue is currently being lost. He warned that every year without regulation represents a missed opportunity, with funds instead flowing into unregulated channels.
To illustrate the potential impact, Ronzoni referenced Mendoza, another province where IVISA operates. There, online gambling reportedly generates around ARS 1.8 billion per month, with proceeds distributed among public funds, licensed operators and player winnings.
Responsible Gambling and Consumer Protection Risks
IVISA has also raised concerns about the social implications of continued regulatory delays. Without a formal framework, illegal operators dominate the market, operating without safeguards such as age verification, spending limits or responsible gambling controls.
Ronzoni emphasized that licensed operators have no incentive to encourage gambling addiction and are obligated to implement tools that promote responsible play. However, he noted that such measures cannot be enforced without a regulated environment, leaving players exposed to unmanaged platforms.
Timeline Remains Uncertain
At present, the online gambling sector in San Juan remains in regulatory limbo. Juan Pablo Medina, President of the Caja de Acción Social, has indicated that implementing regulations are expected to be introduced in the early months of 2026.
Until then, IVISA continues to urge authorities to act swiftly, warning that each month of delay strengthens illegal gambling activity while depriving the province of oversight, revenue and consumer protections.
