7 operators granted permission to operate in the new Buenos Aires online gaming market including William Hill and Betsson.
Across the world, more countries and regions are dedicating efforts to either regulating or banning online gambling markets.
For casino players, it is encouraging as more regions are leaning towards regulating the online casino industries .
The Argentinian province of Buenos Aires is currently hard at work putting in place the necessary framework and licensing for its soon to launch online gambling market.
Argentina's newly launched market - a dream for international operators
Latin America is one of the most promising online gaming markets and since its emergence, its appeal to operators has grown stronger.
Across the continent, citizens are enjoying the thrill of various types of casino games ranging from free online slots to table and live dealer variants. Of all the Latin American countries, Argentina is among the most desirable in terms of investing in gambling operations. Colombia remains the inspiration and leads the way with Brazil following shortly on Argentina's heals as another promising gambling market.
Each of these being countries with large populations allowing more investment and possible growth opportunities. In terms of growth, Brazil remains the most exciting prospective market but with online gambling legalities still proving a source of difficulty, Argentina has become more of a focal point.
Argentina's road to online glory
This region is one of the few that does not frown upon gambling and with the new legislation, the industry can only grow with the additional benefit of added protection and service for players.
It took quite a while to get the approval for the legalisation of gambling within the state with procedures starting late 2018 and continuing through 2019 and 2020.
After a year-long process of evaluation and defining of licenses for online gambling within the Buenos Aires Province, the Buenos Aires Provincial Institute of Lottery and Gambling (IPLyC) has finally made its decision.
On 31 December 2020, the authority revealed that it will only approve and grant licensing to seven of the fourteen applicants who applied . Only these seven operators are now legally able to launch their online gambling operators within the state.
According to regulations, all operators must be in partnership with a domestic operator to serve residents.
Local and international operators granted a license is as follows:
Hotel Casino Tandil & Playtech Plc
Atlántica de Juegos & Stars Interactive Limited
ArgenBingo BA & William Hill
Boldt SA & Cassava Enterprises Gibraltar
Pasteko SA & Hillside Media Malta
Casino de Victoria & Betsson Group
Binbaires SA & Intralot SA
The current plan as per IPLyC is to open the online gambling market ahead of the regulation of digital gaming and betting within Buenos Aires. All companies approved need to present 'compliance guarantees' before receiving the license as well as pay ARS65 million (approx. $773,000). The payment is a necessary fee for all approved operators who wish to conduct online gambling services within the state.
Nothing is set in stone
The developments in Buenos Aires are promising and stirring up excitement among operators and players. The situation at this time is not final as the current online gambling laws of the province received approval from the previous Governor, María Eugenia Vidal. After her mandate ended on 10 December 2020 Governor Axel Kicillof took her place.
Kicillof may decide to intervene on the IPLyC's decision as he has made it notable clear that he is not in agreement with the current gambling laws of the state . There is the belief that Governor María Eugenia Vidals successor may be looking to introduce stricter regulations.
The biggest issue for Gov. Kicillof's administration is the drafted gambling laws and 'welfare fund' commitments. No current changes have been announced yet, with operators and the iGaming industry remaining on the edge of its seat.
There is hope that despite concerns the blossoming Buenos Aires market will flourish and grow.