Authorities in Buenos Aires have launched the first educational program for influencers investigated for promoting unlicensed betting platforms on social media.
What Happened
Over 110 popular influencers in Argentina are under investigation under Article 301 bis of the Criminal Code for promoting illegal online casinos and betting platforms. Among them are Wanda Nara, L-Gante, Florencia Vigna, Romina Uhrig, and other celebrities with millions of followers.
The Buenos Aires prosecutor’s office offered an alternative to criminal charges — a restorative justice model that involves symbolic compensation through public awareness actions.
Key Terms of the Agreement
27 individuals signed restitution agreements. So far, 16 have fulfilled the following conditions:
Recorded a video warning about the risks of illegal gambling and gambling addiction.
Posted the video on Instagram Stories for three consecutive days.
Published the video on their main Instagram feed for at least one month.
Completed an in-person course on gambling addiction and illegal betting, organized by LOTBA (Buenos Aires City Lottery).
The Goal: Raise Awareness About Gambling Harm
According to prosecutors Juan Rosas and Juan Bautista Mahiques, the campaign aims to use the same channels — social media — through which the harm was caused. This way, influencers are now warning their own audiences about the dangers of gambling.
Notable Participants
Name
Alias
Wanda Nara
Wanda
Elián Valenzuela
L-Gante
Florencia Vigna
Flor Vigna
Romina Uhrig
–
Mariano Nahuel Valenzuela
–
Tomás Álvarez
–
Bárbara Silenzi
–
Ignacio López
–
How Illegal Betting Platforms Operate
According to prosecutors:
These websites lack licenses from LOTBA or local regulators.
They often use deceptive tactics, such as promising quick and guaranteed payouts.
Influencers promote them without disclosing the illegal nature of the operators.
Most platforms are based abroad and operate outside Argentine jurisdiction.
They use shady payment methods like untraceable e-wallets and unregulated transfers.
How to Spot an Illegal Platform
Signs a betting site may be illegal include:
It’s not listed among licensed operators on the official LOTBA website. It promises “easy money” or “guaranteed wins.”
It’s promoted by influencers without mentioning licensing status.
It doesn’t offer player protection tools — such as betting limits or self-exclusion options.
It may already be blocked by your browser or operating system.
How to Protect Yourself from Gambling Addiction
LOTBA and the prosecutor’s office also issued guidance to help prevent gambling addiction:
Set clear limits on time and money spent on gambling.
Never gamble in secret or isolation.
Don’t use gambling as a way to manage stress or emotions.
Be cautious of thoughts like “I’ll win next time for sure.”
Use site-blocking tools if you feel you’re losing control.
If you notice early signs of addiction, seek professional help. There are free hotlines and support centers available.
What’s Next
The investigation will continue against those who declined or violated the agreement. This could lead to criminal charges, asset seizures, and account freezes .
So far, over 400 illegal sites have been taken down. The authorities’ main goal is to turn influencers’ reach into a force for awareness — not temptation.
