Fernando Rivarola, Head of Chubut’s Specialized Unit for Cybercrime and Digital Evidence, raised concerns over the accessibility of unauthorized betting platforms, which he said allow minors to participate without effective safeguards.
Speaking to a local radio station, Rivarola contrasted these sites with regulated operators, which require identity validation and operate under provincial licensing frameworks.
Rivarola warned that betting activity is likely to intensify during high-profile events such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He said: “It is probable that now, with the World Cup there will be a proliferation of these platforms,” pointing to the recurring link between major tournaments and spikes in online betting engagement.
He also emphasized the role of parental supervision, particularly in monitoring digital wallets and spending patterns as early indicators of unauthorized gambling activity.
He added: “Parents have a duty of care and nobody doubts it. Spending, which is something that we parents can regulate, is something we have to be attentive to.”
The prosecutor highlighted the vulnerability of younger users exposed to gambling content through social media and informal digital channels, noting that limited awareness of financial and addiction risks increases the likelihood of harm. He warned that the combination of easy access, peer influence and aggressive online promotion creates a high-risk environment for adolescents.
On enforcement, Rivarola said authorities continue to target illegal operators through raids and site blocking, although the effectiveness of these measures is limited by the ability of platforms to quickly relaunch under new domains.
He stated: “When the platform is not enabled, we carry out raids and take down detected sites. The problem is that many times they reappear with minimal changes, so the fight is constant.”
The warning comes as Argentinian authorities step up enforcement efforts across multiple provinces, including blocking orders, financial restrictions and criminal investigations targeting unlicensed operators.
The issue has also gained political traction, with growing calls for stronger controls, education campaigns and coordinated national strategies to address youth exposure to online betting.
Rivarola has previously led investigations into illegal online betting networks in Chubut, including cases where operators used social media and digital wallets to recruit players and process payments outside regulatory oversight
