Following on the betting ban in Brazil, Buenos Aires Senator Federico Fagioli has introduced a bill that would ban most forms og gambling in province of Buenos Aires. The bill got the name the “Lula Law” .
According to Diputados Bonaerenses, the bill would repeal Chapter VIII of Provincial Law No. 15,079, replacing the existing online gambling framework with a broad prohibition. Lotteries, quinielas and authorised draws would remain permitted.
The bill would prohibit online slots, roulette, blackjack, poker and other games involving monetary stakes and prizes. Fagioli argued that digital platforms have removed traditional barriers to gambling by allowing users to place bets from internet-connected devices anywhere and at any time.
He also said the expansion of online gambling creates new challenges for provincial authorities responsible for regulation and harm prevention.
Advertising and deposits would be prohibited
The bill aslo mentions that licensed operators would be prohibited from accepting new deposits or facilitating fund transfers for online gambling. Direct and indirect ads, promotions, bonuses and sponsorships related to online betting will be banned.
Operators would be required to refund users’ remaining account balances and submit reports to the Provincial Institute of Lotteries and Casinos detailing pending bets, outstanding prizes and account funds.
The proposal made by Fagioli is in contrast to another bill introduced by legislators Facundo Tignanelli and Micaela Olivetto aimed at strengthening regulations for online gambling and control measures as opposed to a complete prohibition on the activity.
Tignanelli argued that if online gambling is to be completely banned, such legislation would need to be implemented nationally. Legislation passed in respect of the two proposals shows the different opinions among lawmakers from Buenos Aires on the question of the legality of online gambling in the present situation in Argentina.
In fact, the Fagioli bill first must go through all stages of the legislative process before the respective provisions take force.