Argentine lottery association and casinos unite on compaign to combat illegal online betting

The Argentine State Lottery Association (ALEA) and the Argentine Chamber of Casinos, Bingos and Annexes (CASCBA) have teamed up with legal betting sites to launch a campaign against illegal online betting platforms, which they claim allow minors to gamble.

The campaign, initiated during the Copa América football tournament, highlights the contrast between regulated betting sites, which end in .bet.ar and prohibit access to minors, and unregulated sites that use international or dynamic domains to circumvent controls. Prominent sports journalists are participating in the campaign to emphasize these differences.

"Access by minors to online gambling is prohibited and ensuring that this is complied with is a priority and absolutely relevant issue for both the state and the betting houses that operate legally in our country," ALEA said in a statement. "The problem is that there are hundreds of illegal betting sites that do not carry out any type of control, making it easy for anyone to enter."

As part of this effort, ALEA and CASCBA have also reported 254 illegal sites that permit minors to gamble. In addition to raising awareness, CASCBA has filed a criminal complaint to block access to these unauthorized sites operating without any regulation or oversight.

The campaign aims to educate the public about the risks of illegal gambling sites, which lack the stringent control regulations that legal sites must adhere to. Legal betting platforms employ processes, resources, and technologies to ensure a safe and responsible gambling environment, preventing minors from participating, note the associations. In contrast, illegal sites neglect these measures, posing significant risks to users.

ALEA and CASCBA are also working to discourage banks, virtual wallets, media outlets, and social networks from promoting or facilitating access to illegal gambling sites. The campaign seeks their cooperation in the effort to curb illegal gambling activities.

The Chamber expressed gratitude to the media for their support in disseminating the campaign's message and acknowledged the commitment of betting sites such as BetWarrior, Betano, Betsson, Bplay, Bet365, City Center Rosario, Casino Magic Neuquén, Lotería de Misiones, Casino Club, Casino Buenos Aires, and Betfun in the fight against illegal gambling.