There is no federal law governing casino gaming, so the industry is regulated by Argentina's 23 provinces. According to the 2016 report by Clarion Gaming, Argentina had 80 casino complexes. The number stands at 157 today. Casino gamers can gamble freely in most provinces, and the activity is well-received across the country.
Buenos Aires has the biggest casino in the entire continent (Casino de Trilenium) and one of the three legally operating casinos in Argentina. It offers a 180,000 square footage of gaming area inside a gleaming glass tower reminiscent of the casino scene in the Las Vegas Strip. Players enjoy nearly 2,000 slot machines and table games, making it the most sought-after gambling spot in South America.
Esports Legislation in Argentina
While sports legislation in the US varies from state to state, Argentina's regulatory framework differs from city to city. In some cities, residents and foreigners can bet on regulated sports provided they have attained the legal age (18 years). Buenos Aires offers legal eSports betting in Argentina, but only residents can participate. Moreover, all bettors must use credit cards and pay levies after winning. This helps the government to monitor the gambling revenue and ensure that all punters are of age.
Operators from other cities that want to operate eSports betting must obtain a license from the Lottery of the City of Buenos Aires. With that permit, they can provide their betting services throughout Argentina.
International eSports books are also accessible from this country. They are the ideal sites for punters in other Argentine cities where online eSports betting is not yet licensed. Such platforms are regulated in foreign markets and are allowed to operate in Argentina as the local legislation doesn't prohibit overseas bookmakers. This means Argentinian customers do not break the law by joining these websites. A lot of players have testified that international sites offer a better experience.
Betting Acts in Argentina
Argentina offers all kinds of betting opportunities, both online and land-based. Gambling legislation may be loose, but many forms of betting are unregulated and operate without an official license. On 26 December 2021, Bill no. 34270/L/21 was passed by the unicameral legislature. The law offers different modalities for online gaming within Argentine provinces. Through the Registry of Online Gaming Licenses, this regulation will govern online eSports betting sites. It was put in place to eradicate suspicious games in the fight against delinquency and fraud.
In a parliamentary debate, changes were proposed concerning the number of companies that may be granted betting licenses. The number was raised from five to 10, and the license period was reduced to 15 years from 20 years. Possible fines and penalties were made more severe.
Argentine National Criminal Code
Section 301 of the criminal code dictates that illegal gambling organizers can be arrested by law enforcement officers. The liability may extend to gamblers in some scenarios, such as wagering non-authorized bets or betting in places without proper authorization pursuant to section 7 of the amended law no. 13,470. Enforcement differs according to the jurisdiction in question. Legal actions may be taken by local regulators as indicated by section 301 of the Argentine Criminal Code. The proceedings take place at local courts.
2019 Tax Act
To obtain licensing, sportsbooks must fulfill at least 20 requirements and thereafter pay 25% of their profits to the Province tax authority as per the 2019 Tax Act. Out of the revenue, 15% is the income tax, 2% is the licensing fee, and 8% goes to the respective gambling authority. Municipalities hosting bookmakers take 10% of the licensing fees.