(AsiaGameHub) –   A bill designed to protect young people in Argentina from the dangers of gambling has been submitted to the National Congress.

Backed by Senator Beatriz Ávila, the legislation calls on both chambers of Congress to intensify their work to reduce the prevalence of gambling addiction among the nation’s youth.

Ávila explained that her goal is to stop the “normalisation of gambling that is preying on the lives of Argentina’s youth,” emphasizing the critical need for a country-wide prevention strategy.

Citing recent figures from the Ombudsman’s Office revealing that 7% of citizens struggle with gambling issues, the senator argued for immediate action. The data also indicates there are over 19 million active gamblers across the country.

The plan includes educational workshops in schools to highlight the dangers of online wagering. Additionally, teachers and staff would be trained to spot signs of problem gambling in students, and a referral system connecting educational institutions with health and social services would be established.

To finance prevention and treatment initiatives, the bill proposes a 1% tax on all online bets placed in Argentina, placing a new financial obligation on operators.

This measure is part of a larger political movement to impose stricter regulations on Argentina’s booming online gambling sector, now one of the region’s most rapidly expanding markets.

In a separate development, National Deputy Karina Banfi has put forward a bill to prohibit gambling advertisements aimed at minors on TV, radio, social media, and other digital channels.

Banfi’s proposal would forbid operators from utilizing athletes, influencers, cartoons, or celebrities in ads targeting young people. It also seeks to block messages that associate betting with financial gain or personal success.

Concurrently, Buenos Aires Senator Malena Galmarini is spearheading a related initiative focused on sports, seeking to limit betting sponsorships during athletic and community events.

Should these measures pass, gambling logos would be barred from team uniforms, advertising would be banned within 100 meters of sports venues, and betting firms would be blocked from acquiring naming rights for stadiums.

Discussions have heated up as major Argentine football clubs, such as Boca Juniors and River Plate, continue to grow their commercial ties with betting companies.

Collectively, these legislative efforts indicate that Argentina’s political leaders are gearing up to take a much tougher approach to gambling regulation, specifically regarding the protection of minors and sports marketing.