Buenos Aires digital finance and gambling regulation

Authorities in Buenos Aires are implementing new regulatory and fiscal measures targeting digital finance and online gambling. Initially, the provincial government prepared significant fines for digital wallet providers, such as Mercado Pago and Ualá, following thousands of consumer complaints regarding debt harassment and interest rates reaching ‘1,000% of the Total Financial Cost (CFT)’. Simultaneously, the Central Bank of the Argentine Republic began providing fraud risk profiles to help financial institutions detect funds being channeled into unauthorized gambling platforms.

Following these regulatory efforts, the Government of Buenos Aires moved to implement a 2% tax on prizes from authorized online digital slot games. Under Resolution N° 1.149/2026, this measure targets games of immediate resolution, such as digital slots, where results are instantaneous. Minister of Government Carlos Bianco confirmed the tax will apply to prizes paid by seven authorized platforms: Bet365, Betano, Betsson, BetWarrior, Bplay, Sportsbet, and Stake. Sports betting is specifically excluded from this levy.

The measure, established under Provincial Law 15.079, is expected to generate between 35,000 million and 40,000 million pesos monthly. The revenue is designated for the Fondo de Progreso e Inclusión Social (FOPIS) to fund health, education, and social programs, with specific earmarks for combating ludopathy and protecting adolescents. The authorized companies will act as withholding agents for the tax collection.