Online gambling: what is the plan to stop minors from accessing gambling platforms?

Representatives of lotteries from all over the country, banks, credit cards and online betting houses met at the Hipódromo de Palermo to define strategies to stop minors from accessing betting platforms , with a special focus on illegal betting.

The meeting, held in the framework of the International Day of Responsible Gaming, highlighted the urgent need to strengthen controls and raise awareness about the risks of child gambling addiction. According to specialists, illegal gambling continues to be the main way for minors to get into gambling, due to the lack of filters and strict regulations.

Ida López, president of the Mendoza Lottery and the Argentine State Lottery Association (ALEA), stressed the importance of these spaces for dialogue to bring the message to the most vulnerable sectors. “The key is to prevent the use of illegal platforms and raise awareness about the risks of uncontrolled gambling,” she said.

Gonzalo Atanasof , head of the Provincial Institute of Lotteries and Casinos of Buenos Aires, stressed that this is a priority issue in the province. “It is essential to coordinate efforts and make better decisions to protect minors. We address it from an interjurisdictional agenda,” he said.

One of the most prominent models was that of the Buenos Aires City Lottery, which promotes the “Talking is Winning” campaign to prevent childhood gambling addiction. Jesús Acevedo, president of the organization, highlighted the importance of sharing strategies between provinces and strengthening ties with the private sector for more effective joint action.

The debate also included the views of experts such as Florencia Casabella , from the Potenciar Foundation, and Diego Slipak , a doctor from the Ibero-American Public Health Foundation, who warned about the psychological impact that gambling can have on minors.

Online betting is becoming increasingly popular among teenagers and adults alike. (Freepik)

The role of banks and credit cards was also a central theme of the meeting. These tools are the main access routes for minors to illegal platforms. Financial institutions committed to reviewing their systems and improving controls.

From the AFA , Andrés Paton Urich, Legal Affairs Manager, stressed the importance of educating players and avoiding match-fixing. “Working with legal platforms is key to safeguarding the integrity of the sport,” he said.

The country's main betting houses - BetWarrior, Betsson, Bplay Betfun, Casino Buenos Aires, Casino Magic Neuquén and Casino Club - participated in the debate and agreed on the need to establish more rigorous filters and strengthen surveillance of illegal platforms .