Law enforcement authorities dismantled an illegal betting operation in Charata, Chaco province, confiscating more than ARS 574,000 ($450) in cash and gambling materials.
The investigation was launched following an anonymous tip to the Chaco Lottery’s illegal gaming unit, which reported unauthorized card games being held on weekend nights at a private residence.
Officers from the Economic Division and the Special Laws Unit executed a search warrant, with tactical support from the Special Operations Corps.
Judicial authorities overseeing the operation confirmed the scale of betting activity at the location. In addition, police seized 2,358 playing cards across 59 decks, seven boxes containing gambling chips and related materials, and four mobile phones that will be subjected to forensic analysis.
The main suspect was not present at the residence at the time of the raid. Prior to the operation, police carried out joint intelligence work with the Charata Investigations Division to verify the illegal activity before securing authorization from the Guarantees Court of Presidencia Roque Sáenz Peña.
The case was classified under Article 301 bis of the Argentine Penal Code, which establishes prison sentences for organizing gambling activities without proper authorization. Prosecutors from Fiscal Team 4 are continuing proceedings to identify and locate those responsible for operating the betting scheme.
Authorities said the seized items indicate regular betting sessions involving ferro, a regional card game commonly played for money. The confiscated mobile phones are expected to provide further evidence regarding participants and potential links to a broader gambling network.
In Argentina, only provincial lottery authorities are legally authorized to operate or license gambling activities, making any private betting operation without provincial approval illegal under federal law
