The San Juan Lottery Agents Association of Argentina (CALA) said they are concerned about the sharp increase in rents. Unions warn that the situation is causing a large number of San Juan lottery agents to close or relocate. Additionally, they criticize the lack of regulation of online gambling, which they say is hurting their revenue.
Currently, there are 430 lottery agents and sub-agents in San Juan Province. However, from the beginning of 2024 to date, they have recorded a significant proportion of closures and address changes of 20% to 30%.
Ernesto Pérez, a representative of the Lottery Agents Association, told La Provincia SJ daily: "We are better than last year in terms of revenue and other aspects. Difficulty. Online gambling has done a lot of damage to (lottery sales). Our economic situation is also reduced."
He explained that revenue has not kept pace with national inflation: "Our revenue has increased from 130% to 150% over last year. %, but inflation is higher and we are losing market share, and the advent of online gambling has made the situation even more complicated.”
In this regard, Pérez added: “The government must take tough measures on the issue of online gambling, making it more legal and guidance or better control of underage gambling problems through agents,” he noted: “If this problem is not regulated in some way, the future is not optimistic.”
He also mentioned that due to rising rents, some agents have had to change addresses or close their businesses, making the situation more complicated. .
"The rent issue has become complicated. People are looking to pay less and making address changes, basically to restart business, Because the customer base needs to be re-established elsewhere, ”Pérez stressed, noting that 20 to 30% of agencies are temporarily or permanently closed, accompanied by a change of address.
