Argentina Restricts Online Gambling on Public WiFi Networks
The city council of Malargüe, in the province of Mendoza, has passed an ordinance to block access to iGaming websites via public WiFi networks.
Reasons Behind the New Restrictions
Authorities in Malargüe cite the rising use of mobile devices for online gambling — especially among minors — as the primary reason for the new measures. According to local officials, underage users are accessing gambling platforms with little to no oversight, raising serious concerns.
The issue is further compounded by the growing number of people using smartphones to visit gambling sites through public access points. The lack of content filtering on these networks makes them particularly vulnerable.
Who Is Affected by the Ban
- Minors accessing the internet through public WiFi
- Online gambling platforms (iGaming sites)
- Websites containing pornographic content
- Sites related to child exploitation
Key Provisions of the Ordinance
| Measure | Description |
|---|---|
| Website Blocking | Restricting access to iGaming and other prohibited websites on public WiFi networks |
| Prevention Program | Establishing a local program to prevent gambling addiction |
| Educational Campaigns | School-based initiatives to raise awareness among children and teens |
| Financial Literacy | Promoting digital and financial education for young users |
Purpose of the Measures
City council members, including Magalí Acosta, Emilce Mansilla, and Rodrigo Hidalgo, stated that the primary goal is to mitigate the harmful impact of digital platforms on young people and to encourage responsible technology use.
The ordinance emphasizes the need for government intervention to create safe internet usage policies and foster healthy online habits among youth.
Similar Initiatives
Malargüe is not the first Argentinian city to implement such measures. In May, the city of Mar del Plata unanimously approved a similar regulation.
What’s Next?
As part of the municipal initiative, the following actions are planned:
- Information campaigns in schools
- Psychological and behavioral support for individuals showing signs of gambling addiction
- Thematic workshops addressing the risks of online gambling
Conclusion
Malargüe’s decision reflects how local governments are responding to growing digital risks — particularly those affecting minors.
Such measures are increasingly relevant in the face of easy online access to gambling via public networks.
The blocking of iGaming websites, combined with parallel educational efforts, showcases a proactive and preventative approach to digital safety and user protection.