In Argentina, a Buenos Aires Province legislator has introduced a bill to ban the use of credit cards and cryptocurrencies for topping up gaming accounts
In Argentina, a Buenos Aires Province legislator has introduced a bill to ban the use of credit cards and cryptocurrencies for topping up gaming accounts, mandating the use of Argentine pesos only
In Argentina, a Buenos Aires Province legislator introduced a bill to ban the use of credit cards and cryptocurrencies for topping up gaming accounts, mandating the use of Argentine pesos only.
New Legislative Initiative
Deputy from the Acuerdo Cívico bloc, Nazarena Mesías, presented a bill aimed at regulating online betting and combating gambling addiction, especially among minors.
The bill proposes amending Article 163 of Law No. 15.079, which regulates online gaming, to exclude the possibility of using any form of payment other than Argentine pesos.
What does the bill propose?
Main provisions of the initiative:
- Ban on the use of credit cards and cryptocurrencies to top up online gaming accounts;
- All operations (deposits, bets, balance display) must be conducted and displayed only in Argentine pesos;
- Exclusion of any virtual credit systems or units of virtual value;
- Increase transparency and understanding of the real value of bets by players;
- Reduce the risk of fraudulent and confusing practices by operators.
Why is this necessary?
According to Nazarena Mesías, current legislation does not specify the currency in which operations in online games should be conducted, allowing the use of alternative payment methods, including virtual units and cryptocurrencies. This, in turn, makes it difficult for players to understand the real volume of their bets.
The proposed amendment aims to:
- Ensure financial clarity for users;
- Protect against manipulation by gaming platforms;
- Facilitate regulatory oversight.
Direct quote from the deputy
“By mandating the use of pesos, we eliminate the need for conversions and make it easier to understand the financial processes taking place in online games.
This strengthens player protection and makes the entire process more transparent,” Mesías explained.
Context: Combating Gambling Addiction
Mesías’s initiative is part of a series of bills aimed at preventing gambling addiction among minors. Currently, 13 bills on this topic are under consideration in the lower house of parliament.
Previously, Mesías also introduced a separate bill on responsible gaming, which includes measures to limit advertising and inform about risks.
Current status of the bill
The bill received a favorable opinion from the commission on addiction prevention and must pass two more committees before being brought to the floor for general discussion.
Meanwhile, the Senate is discussing a Comprehensive Gambling Regulation Law, which is supported by representatives of the gambling industry but still has a long way to go in parliament.
Additional measures and initiatives
Despite support for the initiatives across various political forces, the proposal to create a joint commission for the expedited review of the bills has not been implemented.
The Buenos Aires Province authorities, under Governor Kicillof, have officially launched an Interministerial Commission to combat teenage gambling addiction, which is developing and implementing state prevention measures.
Conclusion
Nazarena Mesías’s proposal is a step towards a more transparent and regulated online gaming environment, where users see real amounts and the state gains a regulatory tool. Amid the growing popularity of online