In a landmark decision, the Chamber of Deputies of San Juan, Argentina, has passed new legislation aimed at regulating online gambling and minimizing its negative impact on minors. Up until this point, San Juan was one of the few provinces in the country that did not have any specific regulations related to online gambling, leading to rising addiction rates.
Gambling Rates Are at an All-Time High
The legislation responds to growing concerns over the rapid expansion of online gaming operations and their impact on the region’s youth. It combines elements from three draft bills, uniting efforts to establish a Provincial Program for the promotion, awareness, and prevention of gambling addiction among children and youth with updated, stringent rules to govern online gambling.
Every day that passes, we see how sports are transformed into a gambling scene that ends up corrupting not only young people, families, and even the athletes.
Deputy Franco Aranda
These new regulations provide tools to authorities to combat illegal gambling operations and address gambling-related issues effectively. San Juan will also launch a Provincial Program to educate and raise awareness about the dangers of gambling addiction, with a special focus on the need to safeguard vulnerable populations where gambling harm can quickly spread.
Deputy Franco Aranda pointed out alarming statistics, showing 66% of those aged between 18-24 admitted to engaging in online gambling. 48% of regular players spend three or more hours daily on gambling platforms, while a concerning number of young players were spending money set aside for necessities, pooled resources with friends, or even sold personal belongings to finance their gambling.
Enforcement Will Prove Pivotal
Local government representatives warned of the risks associated with the unchecked growth of online gambling, fueled by the expansion of technology and easy internet access. They noted how over 200 online betting sites remained freely available to San Juan youths, generating an illusion of easy money. Many such operators lack adequate player protection safeguards, exacerbating the issue.
The law also aims to reframe societal attitudes toward gambling by promoting healthier forms of entertainment and emphasizing the role of family and community involvement in preventing addiction. Lawmakers encouraged families, schools, and other organizations to take the lead in educating and guiding the youth away from such adverse behaviors.
According to specialists, gambling addiction can be compared to cocaine or heroin, which is why there is an urgent need for us to deal with this bill.
Deputy Franco Aranda
This legislation represents a significant step forward for San Juan in addressing a growing social issue. However, other similar jurisdictions have demonstrated that a robust regulatory frame is only useful with proper enforcement. It will be up to the region’s government to ensure operators comply with these new guidelines and help curb rising gambling harm rates.
