In today's parliamentary debate, the opposition will propose the repeal of Law 10.793, enacted in 2021. The ruling party seeks to maintain the law, but with modifications.
Argentina.- The future of online gambling in the Province of Córdoba faces crucial moments today as the provincial Legislature will debate a proposal from a sector of the opposition, associated with former governor Luis Juez, to repeal Law 10.793 of 2021. Meanwhile, the ruling party seeks to maintain the law that authorizes the practice, although it plans to add new requirements and obligations for operating companies.
According to the local media La Voz, the fight for votes is even, although the ruling party is confident that the issue will reach the chamber with the support of some allied single-member blocks, such as that of PRO legislator Karina Bruno.
The proposal from the ruling party, responding to Governor Martín Llaryora, proposes adding the mandatory use of biometric data for players, in addition to limiting any type of campaign by influencers and advertising that encourages online betting. In total, it amends three articles (8, 14, and 20) and incorporates a section for the creation of a Biometric Data Registry within the Player Registry “to prevent access by minors”.
It also grants the Córdoba Lottery, as the enforcing authority, the possibility to "arbitrate the necessary mechanisms for the control of advertising and the mandatory conduct of prevention campaigns."
According to statements from the provincial ruling party, this modification will add limitations and increase control, while the repeal of virtual betting, as the opposition maintains, would lead to uncontrolled gambling.
“We agree that the regulation should establish requirements to obtain licenses for the operation of online gambling with control, oversight, and prevention of problematic gambling consumption with sanctions and penalties,” said legislator Nadia Fernández to La Voz.
Regarding the project that proposes to nullify the current regulations, she expressed: “Under no circumstances do we accept the repeal because that would mean being functional to clandestine gambling. Minors in no way can participate in legal betting, and if it is illegal, no one controls them.”
A fact that the ruling party will also have in the chamber is the impact that occurred in Córdoba with the authorization of four online betting sites since 2024 (Jugadón, Playcet, Bplay, and Betsson) compared to clandestine gambling sites. It is estimated that the plays from these sites took about AR$5.860m (USD6m) from the illegal market.
On the other hand, the Civic Front block will request the treatment on the table of the project that directly establishes in a single article the repeal of law 10.793. The project does not mention what the Province should do with the current contracts, which arose from a national and international tender established by the law in question.
“The Civic Front considers that the Province cannot be a partner in gambling. We must send a message to society. Today the State is a partner of companies that profit from the illness of our children. Gambling addiction is spreading like an oil stain and the State allows four companies to legally sicken the people of Córdoba. Any reform is just a patch and legitimizes the law that caused so much damage and is still causing,” said Walter Nostrala, the legislator who presented the proposal.
See also: Argentina: Córdoba legislators debated the dangers of online gambling in children and adolescents
“We must repeal and urgently implement the Online Gambling Addiction Fight Program that is also being voted on. Either you are for or against online gambling,” he summarized. Asked about the possibility of lawsuits against the Province, he considered that the Justice “should take into account the reasons for the termination”.
