Corrientes pushes specialized prosecutors for illegal online gambling in Argentina

Argentina’s regulators are still dealing with the usual two-part problem: illegal betting sites keep appearing, and minors keep using them. Javier Luis Bee Sellares, head of Lotería Correntina, says the answer is not just more takedowns, but specialized cybercrime prosecutors, faster blocking, and tighter payment controls.

1. Bee Sellares argued for fiscalías especializadas in cybercrimes tied to online gambling, pointing to similar structures already in place in other jurisdictions in Argentina. His point is straightforward: if new illegal sites keep replacing closed ones, enforcement needs dedicated investigators and budget, not just occasional raids.
2. He said complaints about illegal online gambling are constant: “pages are closed and new ones appear.” In his view, that churn forces authorities to increase both human and budgetary resources if they want to keep up with unlicensed operators.
3. He also called for faster blocking procedures for clandestine platforms and for more active involvement from national bodies, including the Banco Central, to stop financial transactions linked to unauthorized operators. For PSPs and acquirers, that is the line that matters: access to payments is part of the enforcement target, not just the website itself.
4. On the underage side, Lotería Correntina said it is focusing on prevention as digital betting among teenagers has increased, helped by the growth of online platforms and heavy advertising and technology-driven incentives. Bee Sellares said the organization is running awareness campaigns and promoting responsible gambling concepts.
5. With support from the Government of Corrientes, the provincial lottery is running a campaign specifically aimed at preventing minors from accessing online betting. It also said families have a role in spotting risky behavior and encouraging responsible device use. The agency has had a dedicated responsible gambling unit for two years, working with the provincial ministries of Education and Social Development through school talks and community outreach.

According to surveys run by the agency, between 35% and 45% of the minors consulted said they had placed at least one online bet. In Argentina, only platforms operating under the .bet.ar domain are authorized to offer online betting.