Online gambling addiction rises among minors in Argentina

Online gambling is increasingly affecting minors in Argentina, with reports indicating that some children as young as 11 are participating in betting activities. According to a 2025 Kids Online Argentina report by UNICEF, one in four adolescents has admitted to betting, with initial exposure often occurring around age 13. This trend is primarily driven by access to virtual wallets and is closely linked to sports, particularly football.

Psychologist Débora Blanca, director of Lazos en Juego, notes that while physical casinos have age restrictions, online gambling lacks effective barriers. She highlights that Argentina is currently lacking the regulatory safeguards seen in countries like Spain, which implemented strict advertising and sponsorship restrictions to protect youth health.

Clinical experts emphasize that gambling disorder is a recognized medical condition classified by the DSM-5 and ICD-11. The addiction is driven by neurobiological mechanisms where the uncertainty of a win triggers dopamine release in the brain's reward system, leading to loss of control, tolerance, and withdrawal symptoms similar to substance abuse.