Argentina aims to limit teenage online gambling activity

Argentina is one of many countries where online gambling has become a cause for concern. Those in the know believe that reform is required to limit teenagers from placing bets. However, President Javier Milei has poured cold water on any attempts to date.

The issue is showcased perfectly through an 18-year-old girl who is coming to the end of high school. Previously spending her spare time playing soccer and socializing with friends in her neighborhood, she has now turned to online gambling.

“Almost all of my friends from school are involved in online gambling in one way or another. They admit it’s a problem.” The Buenos Aires ombudsman recently delivered a report that shows almost 25% of 12-19-year-olds have partaken in online gambling.

How a recent study showcases the problems in Argentina

67% of the teenagers who took part put the need for money as their reason for gambling. An increase in poverty in Argentina means that many fear that the convenience of online gambling will be too tempting to ignore. Both legal and illegal betting sites are available to players. This has once again brought up the question surrounding the regulation of the industry.

Carla continued her story by discussing how she became a cashier for a virtual casino from her bedroom. “Virtual bingo is so widespread in the neighborhood that most families participate, making it feel normal.” As part of the role, she earns a commission for every new player recruited.

“But there’s a catch: Let’s say a cashier collects $100 in bets, and the bettors win $150. The bingo administrators give the cashier $50 to distribute as winnings, but she still owes those $50 to the administrators. To avoid paying out of her own pocket, the cashier must recruit new bettors to cover her debt.”

Carla attempts to recruit players through social media platforms, including promo posts and link sharing.

In another case study, Eugenia, a history teacher residing in Buenos Aires, outlined how the Covid-19 pandemic played a part in students turning to betting platforms. “For the kids, there isn’t much distinction between playing video games and entering a betting platform. Both activities are part of the same endless scrolling experience.”

50% of Argentine residents live below the poverty line

The study found that 34% of teenage boys had gambled online, compared to 13% of girls. Some of Eugenia’s students were over $500 down from single bets. She has even been asked by her students for cash loans.

Some have put the troubles regarding teenage gambling down to the poor economy in Argentina. Inflation and foreign debt are the causes of this instability. While Milei promised improvements surrounding inflation in order to stop the recession, the results have been mixed. The strength of the peso has improved, however poverty has also increased. Over 50% of Argentinians now live below the poverty line.

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