Misiones Tightens Rules to Protect Minors from Online Gambling

Argentina's Misiones province has introduced new legislation aimed at tackling underage online gambling and protecting children from harmful digital content.

The Law on the Protection of Children and Adolescents in Digital Environments and the Prevention of Online Betting came into force after being published in the Official Gazette. Approved on 18 June and enacted under Decree No. 1,156, the law introduces tighter controls on gambling advertising, intermediaries and school safeguarding measures.

Advertising Restrictions Introduced

A key measure bans gambling adverts targeting minors, including the use of influencers, characters or imagery designed to appeal to children. The province has also created a registry of licensed operators, advertisers and agencies involved in gambling campaigns.

Operators must take steps to limit children's exposure to gambling marketing, retain compliance records for five years and include responsible gambling messaging in all advertisements.

Focus on Prevention and Enforcement

The legislation establishes a digital reporting platform for suspected breaches and requires schools to follow protocols when responding to online risks affecting children.

Authorities will also deploy an AI-powered early warning system to identify potential risks involving minors, with administrative penalties available for operators and advertisers that fail to comply.

Funding has also been allocated for awareness campaigns, education and support programmes, while officials will review the impact of online gambling on young people every two years.

The law reinforces Argentina's existing ban on minors participating in any form of gambling, as Misiones steps up efforts to curb youth gambling.