Lotería de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires (LOTBA) presented its strategy to combat illegal gambling during ICE Barcelona 2026, outlining recent enforcement actions, prevention initiatives and coordinated work with judicial authorities.
The recent actions made by LOTBA aimed at curbing the black market and limiting youth exposure to unregulated betting.
The presentation took place during the “Fighting the Black Market” panel at the Latin America Academy, held as part of the international gaming conference, where regulators discussed the use of data, regulatory tools and cross-border cooperation to address illegal gambling.
Ezequiel Domínguez, Director of LOTBA, said the regulator adopted a proactive stance against illegal gambling following the start of the current city administration under Buenos Aires Chief of Government Jorge Macri.
According to Domínguez, the strategy is based on a dual approach combining prevention and enforcement. On the prevention side, the regulator highlighted the “To Speak is to Win” campaign, designed to raise awareness about the risks associated with illegal gambling and to promote responsible gaming.
The enforcement component involves coordinated action with the Ministry of Justice and the Public Prosecutor’s Office through a specialized Gambling Prosecutor’s Office, which the regulator described as an unprecedented mechanism in the region.
Domínguez also detailed actions taken against public figures and influencers accused of promoting illegal gambling platforms. These cases resulted in judicial summons, which the regulator said marked a first for Latin America.
As part of settlement agreements, the influencers involved were required to comply with conduct rules, including attending awareness courses, recording institutional videos warning against illegal gambling, participating as speakers at Lotería de la Ciudad events and distributing materials from the campaign.
The panel also featured Ida López, President of ALEA, and Yuri Guerra, General Director of Peru’s Dirección General de Juegos de Casino y Máquinas Tragamonedas, with discussions focusing on information sharing and regulatory cooperation among licensed markets.
LOTBA said its participation in international forums reflects its efforts to position itself as a reference point in illegal gambling enforcement, regulatory oversight and the prevention of gambling-related harm among minors.
LOTBA is currently chaired by Jesús Mariano Acevedo, who has held the position since December 2023, succeeding former president Martín García Santillán
