Argentinean Government about to give nod for Legalizing Online Gambling

By Nadav S | Sep.16, 2009

The word coming out of Argentina is that the country is about to legalize online gambling, following recent remarks by a senior official.

Presidential Cabinet Chief Anibal Fernandez said recently that the Argentinean government will soon introduce legislation to regulate online gambling, with the aim of putting a stop to illegal and unregulated offshore casino operators.

Within Months

"We're working so that this will become law within two or three months," Fernandez said, adding that it could take up two years for the actual process to be completed.

Although Fernandez neither confirmed nor denied the rumors, insiders reportedly believe that the government is also motivated by its recent takeover of the lucrative rights to broadcast soccer, and the fact that they need something as beneficial as online gambling revenues to finance the project.

Gambling laws in Argentina are currently decentralized, with each province setting its own laws, making the industry difficult to regulate.

South America

While politicians in neighboring Brazil are reportedly preparing for a UIGEA-style ban on Internet gambling, the industry has gained a friendly reception in much of Latin America.

Up in Central America, Costa Rica and Mexico are the bases for many online gambling websites, while several other Latin American countries have legalized and regulated online gambling.