Legislative proposals aim to regulate online gambling in Argentina and Puerto Rico

In Argentina, a legislative project titled ‘Régimen Integral de Prevención y Regulación de las Apuestas en Línea’ is being promoted to address gambling addiction and regulate online betting. The initiative, detailed by Santiago Comerón of La Cámpora, seeks to strengthen protections for children and adolescents while prioritizing public health over corporate economic interests. The proposal suggests allocating resources from gambling licensees toward mental health care, addiction prevention, and the strengthening of public interest entities, such as local sports clubs and community centers.

In Puerto Rico, Governor Jenniffer González Colón is pushing Measure A158 to establish a legal framework for online casino gaming, known as igaming. The proposal includes requirements for operators and players, alongside measures for cybersecurity and fraud prevention. A key fiscal component involves applying an excise tax on adjusted gross gaming revenue to fund increases in public pensions. However, the Puerto Rico Hotel & Lodging Association (PRHTA) has raised concerns regarding the potential impact on employment, investment, and the competitiveness of physical casinos due to tax incentives planned for virtual operators.