Lawmakers in Argentina’s Río Negro province are considering legislation that would update the province’s gambling addiction framework to specifically address the rise of online betting among children and adolescents.
The bill, introduced by legislator Juan Martin, proposes amending Article 3 of Provincial Law No. 4108, originally enacted in 2006, to explicitly incorporate online gambling and expand prevention measures targeting younger populations.
If approved, awareness campaigns and treatment services related to gambling harm would become mandatory across primary healthcare centers and schools throughout the province.
Martin said the initiative seeks to address what specialists describe as an increasingly early exposure to online betting platforms.
He added: “Problem gambling, recognized by the World Health Organization as an emotional illness, has transformed in its digital form into one of the leading addictions of the 21st century.”
Citing national estimates, the lawmaker claimed that around 19 million Argentinians gamble regularly and that roughly 7% could be classified as experiencing gambling addiction.
The proposal also highlights concerns about the declining age of first contact with gambling. According to Martín, the average age of first exposure is around 15, although addiction specialists have reported consultations involving children as young as 12.
The bill further raises concerns about the role of social media influencers, YouTubers and TikTok creators in normalizing gambling behavior among younger audiences by publicly showcasing large winnings.
Under the proposal, the Provincial Public Health Council would act as the enforcement authority and oversee prevention policies, including family therapy, individual treatment and educational campaigns.
Martin stated: “We are at the perfect moment, before these kids become addicted in their majority. We are at the point where we can intervene through prevention.”
Several Argentinian provinces, including Buenos Aires and Mendoza, have recently introduced policies aimed at limiting underage access to online gambling
