In a decisive move to protect the youth of the region, authorities in Rivadavia, a department within the province of San Juan, are advancing a legislative proposal to severely restrict online gambling and betting advertisements.
The bill specifically targets high-traffic areas for minors, proposing a total ban on gambling-related marketing near educational institutions and sports community centers.
Protecting Minors from the Normalization of Betting
The initiative, spearheaded by Councilman Cristian Morales, is currently under review by the Commission of Legislation and Constitutional Affairs.
If passed, the executive authority in Rivadavia will be tasked with immediate implementation. Morales noted that the proposal stems from a collective concern among lawmakers regarding how deeply betting advertisements have permeated everyday life, particularly within the world of sports.
“Today we see betting advertisements everywhere, even linked to football. The problem arises when minors manage to bypass controls and access these platforms. This forces us to reflect on what we are doing to prevent these situations,” Morales explained.
Combatting the Rise of Illegal Gambling
The push for tighter advertising controls arrives as the broader San Juan province grapples with a surge in illegal online gambling. With young people being highly active users of smartphones and tablets, the accessibility of unregulated platforms has become a significant public health challenge.
Juan Pablo Medina, President of the Social Action Fund (Caja de Acción Social), has been a leading voice in the effort to modernize the region’s regulatory framework. A new regulatory decree linked to the Online Gaming Law has already been approved by the organization’s administrative council and is currently under review by the Ministry of Economy, Finance, and Treasury.
A Blueprint for Local Governance
Rivadavia’s proactive stance is being watched closely across Argentina. As technological accessibility continues to outpace traditional federal control mechanisms, local departments are taking the lead in creating controlled environments. The outcome of this legislative proposal is expected to serve as a benchmark for other municipalities seeking to reduce minor exposure to gambling harm in an increasingly digital society.
