Buenos Aires Expects Billions From New Online Gaming Levy
Buenos Aires Province has begun enforcing a 2% contribution on winnings generated through certain online gambling products, a move officials expect will generate billions of pesos each month while supporting social programs and initiatives aimed at addressing gambling-related harm. The measure took…
Buenos Aires Province has begun enforcing a 2% contribution on winnings generated through certain online gambling products, a move officials expect will generate billions of pesos each month while supporting social programs and initiatives aimed at addressing gambling-related harm. The measure took effect on 8 September following the publication of Resolution 1149/2026 by the Provincial Institute of Lotteries and Casinos. Signed on 1 September, the regulation applies to the seven licensed online gambling operators currently authorized to offer services in the province. Officials estimate the contribution will produce between ARS35 billion and ARS40 billion in additional monthly revenue. The funds will be directed to the Fondo de Progreso e Inclusión Social (FOPIS), which finances programs linked to healthcare, education, social development and initiatives designed to prevent and treat gambling addiction. The contribution applies specifically to prizes generated by successive wagers on games where results are determined immediately, such as virtual slot-style products. Sports betting has been excluded from the measure. Existing Legal Framework Extended to Online Games Provincial authorities emphasized that the contribution is not a newly created tax. Instead, it stems from Article 137 of Law 15.079, which was enacted in 2018 and established a contribution ranging from 1% to 3% on winnings derived from immediate-resolution games involving successive bets. Through the new resolution, the province has fixed the rate at 2% for eligible online gambling products. Players remain the taxpayers under the system, while licensed operators will act as withholding agents. The platforms must submit weekly sworn declarations detailing the prizes subject to the contribution and transfer the collected amounts through monthly payments. The measure affects the seven licensed operators active in Buenos Aires Province: Bet365, Betano, Betsson, BetWarrior, BPlay, Sportsbet and Stake. Carlos Bianco, Minister of Government for Buenos Aires Province, said authorities expect a substantial increase in public revenue from the implementation of the contribution. “According to our estimates, between 35 billion and 40 billion additional pesos would be collected per month,” Bianco said according to Noticias Argentinas. The minister described the mechanism as an instrument already contemplated by provincial legislation that is now being applied to online games of immediate resolution, including digital slot products. Revenue to Support Social Programs and Gambling Harm Measures Under the framework established by Law 15.079, revenue collected through the contribution is first distributed among municipalities according to the province’s existing revenue-sharing formula. Remaining funds are then allocated to FOPIS. Provincial officials said the additional resources will support health, education and social-development initiatives. Authorities also highlighted plans to use part of the revenue to maintain and strengthen policies addressing gambling-related problems, particularly among adolescents and other vulnerable groups. Bianco stated that the province intends to continue expanding efforts focused on gambling harm prevention and awareness campaigns. Among the initiatives cited by provincial authorities is the campaign “Viciar con las apuestas no da,” which targets online gambling risks. Officials also pointed to expanded healthcare support for young people affected by compulsive gambling behavior. According to the provincial government, assistance services have been broadened through a network of 10 prevention centers and specialized healthcare facilities serving individuals under 18 years of age. Focus on Illegal Gambling and Youth Protection The announcement of the contribution was accompanied by an update on broader measures aimed at regulating online gambling activity and limiting access to unauthorized platforms. Provincial officials highlighted the use of biometric identification technology on licensed gambling websites. The system uses facial recognition and identity verification procedures to prevent underage users from accessing legal online gambling platforms. Bianco said Buenos Aires became the first Argentine province to introduce biometric verification requirements for regulated online gambling. The provincial government also reported continued enforcement activity against illegal operators. According to officials, authorities have filed more than 800 criminal complaints related to unauthorized gambling activity. Recent enforcement efforts resulted in the blocking of 537 unlicensed gambling websites. The province also reported taking action against the promotion of unauthorized platforms, including reporting more than 100 influencers to Meta for advertising illegal gambling services. With the contribution now in force, Buenos Aires expects the measure to provide a significant new funding source while supporting its ongoing efforts to regulate the online gambling market, combat illegal operators and expand programs focused on gambling harm prevention. Source link The post Buenos Aires Expects Billions From New Online Gaming Levy appeared first on Top Rank Casinos.