Argentina: Córdoba launches parental control tools against illegal betting

Argentina’s Córdoba Lottery has launched two new technological tools designed to block access to illegal online betting platforms and strengthen parental controls for minors.

The initiative comes as concerns continue growing across Latin America over the rapid expansion of unlicensed online gambling, particularly involving children and adolescents accessing betting sites through mobile devices.

The first tool, called NOVA+, is a parental control application that allows adults to monitor and restrict access to betting and entertainment platforms intended exclusively for users over 18 years old.

According to Córdoba Lottery, the application is already available free of charge for both Android and iOS devices.

The second system, named LUCA, short for Unified Academic Cyberprotection Line, was developed for schools, educational institutions and sports clubs.

The technology automatically blocks access to illegal betting websites through institutional WiFi networks without collecting personal data or compromising user privacy.

“When a device connected to the institutional network attempts to access a clandestine betting platform, access is automatically blocked,” the lottery explained.

The tools were officially presented by Córdoba Lottery President David Urreta during an event held at Club Atlético Talleres, where authorities also conducted awareness activities involving youth academy football players aged 15 and 16.

According to the lottery authority, similar educational sessions and presentations will continue across schools and sports institutions throughout the province.

Authorities in Córdoba have increasingly focused on gambling-related consumer protection measures in recent months, particularly in environments frequented by minors.

Recently, Córdoba City Council began reviewing legislative proposals aimed at restricting chance-based gaming machines in locations commonly accessed by children and teenagers.