A criminal complaint has been filed before Argentina’s Federal Court against online gambling platform Mr.Bet, alleging the operator offered betting services to Argentine users without the required regulatory authorization.
The filing was submitted by journalist Fernando Miguez, represented by attorney Marcela Scotti. It claims the platform promoted sports betting and online casino products through the Instagram account @mrbetarg without approval from the Instituto Provincial de Loterías y Casinos (IPLyC).
Central to the case is the alleged use of the IPLyC’s official cricket symbol in promotional materials. According to the complaint, the emblem appeared alongside messaging such as “legal, safe and responsible gaming” and references to problem gambling hotlines, elements typically associated with licensed operators.
The complainant argues this may have misled consumers into believing the platform was authorized.
The filing cites Articles 31 and 32 of Argentina’s Trademark Law 22.362 and Article 172 of the Penal Code concerning fraud through deception.
Supporting documentation reportedly includes certified screenshots and formal information requests submitted to regulatory and enforcement bodies, as well as petitions for digital forensic analysis of the platform’s technical infrastructure and financial flows.
Precautionary measures requested include blocking the associated Instagram account, disabling the platform’s domain within Argentina and restricting payment processing channels linked to the operation. The complainant has indicated he intends to seek standing as a private prosecutor in the proceedings.
Buenos Aires Province operates one of Argentina’s most structured online gambling regimes, with a limited number of licensed operators subject to strict compliance, branding and responsible gambling requirements.
Authorities have previously pursued domain blocking and payment restrictions against offshore or unlicensed platforms targeting local players, reflecting heightened enforcement scrutiny across the sector.
Mr.Bet is owned and operated by Faro Entertainment N.V., a company registered in Curaçao and licensed by the Curaçao Gaming Control Board under a remote gaming licence
