The Buenos Aires Province in Argentina is reportedly considering an online gambling ban that mirrors Brazil’s controversial Provisional Measure 1,394. The proposal’s authors argue that the conveniences offered by online gaming have removed traditional barriers, exposing customers to significant harm risks.
Buenos Aires Eyes a “Lula Law”
The so-called “Lula Law” is the brainchild of Senator Federico Fagioli and, as its name suggests, has been inspired by Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s online gaming and betting ban in Brazil. For context, Lula’s measure marked a sudden U-turn in terms of Brazil’s approach to gambling, snuffing out the country’s online gaming sector less than two years after its launch.
While the gaming industry was displeased by Brazil’s sudden change of mind, following stakeholders’ significant investment in the region, Lula’s recent re-election makes the ban very likely to stick.
If the Lula Law passes, operators in Buenos Aires will no longer be able to offer online casino gaming and sports betting in the province. It should be noted that the proposal does not affect online lotteries and prize draws.
Experts Say the Measure Might Be Excessive
While the future of the so-called Lula Law remains uncertain, legal experts suggested that it should be taken seriously. In an interview with gaming news outlet NEXT.io, Tomás García Botta, partner at MF Estudio Abogados, explained that the law “could indeed be introduced.”
While García Botta said that he doesn’t completely understand what the law hopes to achieve, its supporters argued that the rise of online casino gaming has created conveniences that expose players to risk.
García Botta noted that the Lula Law might be impeded by constitutional challenges. He also asserted that banning legal online gaming would give way to a rise in illegal online gambling and suggested that lawmakers should focus on stopping illegal gambling instead of banning the legal industry.
Buenos Aires Is Also Considering a Safer Gaming Overhaul
In addition to Fagioli’s Lula Law in Buenos Aires, lawmakers in the province are currently working on a separate proposal that would crack down on illegal gambling by developing strict biometric checks and introducing new advertising restrictions. The proposal combines 27 bills that propose new safer gaming measures.
The bill outlines new ID checks, safer gaming measures, ad restrictions, mandatory safer gambling and self-exclusion tools, and the creation of a new illegal gambling office, among other things.