The Autoridad Metropolitana de Transporte (AMT) of Salta, a province in northwestern Argentina, has banned gambling and betting advertising on taxis operating in the Metropolitan Region.
The resolution takes effect the day after its publication and covers advertisements for casinos, bingo halls, gaming rooms, websites, online betting applications and sports betting. It also applies to brands or sponsors whose main activity is linked to gambling.
The prohibition reaches every advertising element placed on the units. It also includes sponsorship and indirect promotion actions, so the restriction is not limited to direct advertisements.
There is only one exception: Activities organized by nonprofit institutions are exempt if their revenue goes to social, charitable or community purposes and their communication does not encourage betting. Both conditions must be met for the exception to apply.
The AMT said the decision responds to the need to reduce the exposure of children, adolescents and adults to stimuli linked to betting. The agency expressly pointed to the growth of gambling addiction as part of its reasoning.
According to the AMT, the protection of health must prevail over the revenue that such advertising can generate. The agency therefore placed the health argument ahead of any commercial income tied to advertising on the vehicles.
The measure applies to the two types of for-hire passenger vehicles named in the resolution: taxis and remises, which both provide service in the Salta Metropolitan Region. Taxis are generally hailed on the street or at ranks, while remises are generally booked in advance through agencies.
The resolution does not specify penalties for non-compliance, a deadline for removing advertisements already placed on vehicles or the number of vehicles affected
