Buenos Aires proposes to ban most online gambling, keep only lotteries and draws
Bill seeks to repeal the internet gambling chapter of Provincial Law 15.079
Key Takeaways
- Senator Federico Fagioli introduced a bill to repeal the internet gambling chapter of Provincial Law 15.079 in Buenos Aires.
- The proposal would ban online slots, roulette, blackjack, poker and betting, leaving only lotteries, quinielas and official draws.
- Operators would have to stop taking deposits, return balances to players and notify the Instituto Provincial de Lotería y Casinos (IPLyC).
- The IPLyC would be tasked with pushing for blocks of websites and apps affected by the ban.
- Deputy Facundo Tignanelli offered an alternative that tightens controls without eliminating online gambling.
A bill by provincial senator Federico Fagioli would repeal the chapter on internet gambling in Provincial Law 15.079, with the effect of banning most digital offerings in the Province of Buenos Aires if approved. The proposal would remove authorisation for online slots, roulette, blackjack, poker and betting, leaving legal activity limited to lotteries, quinielas and official draws.
Details of Fagioli's proposal
The text presented by Federico Fagioli requires affected operators to stop accepting deposits, return players' available balances and notify the Instituto Provincial de Lotería y Casinos (IPLyC). The IPLyC would be the body responsible for initiating blocks of websites and applications subject to the prohibition. The bill follows a similar line to the federal ban on online gambling adopted in Brazil.
Parliamentary alternative that tightens controls
Deputy Facundo Tignanelli has promoted an alternative initiative that does not repeal online gambling but proposes tightening applicable rules and strengthening control mechanisms over the sector. The debate confronts two approaches: remove currently authorised modalities or retain activity under a more restrictive regulatory framework.
“Large interests are at stake; this is a struggle that must be fought and we will carry it out,” said Facundo Tignanelli in remarks to Letra P.
Next steps and context
The progress of both initiatives will determine whether the province moves toward a broad ban on internet gambling or opts to preserve activity with greater restrictions. The debate is taking place in the Buenos Aires legislature and the vote on the initiatives will define the regulatory path. The original article was published on 21 October 2026 in Sector del Juego.
Fagioli's bill explicitly names Provincial Law 15.079 and the Instituto Provincial de Lotería y Casinos (IPLyC) as central elements of the shutdown mechanism; Tignanelli’s alternative seeks control measures, not total elimination of the online market. For ongoing coverage of the legislative process consult [regulation](/regulation) and materials for [operators](/b2b).
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly does Federico Fagioli’s bill propose?
The bill seeks to repeal the internet gambling chapter of Provincial Law 15.079 to prohibit modalities such as online slots, roulette, blackjack, poker and betting, limiting the lawful offer to lotteries, quinielas and official draws.
What obligations would the rule impose on operators if the ban is approved?
Operators would be required to stop accepting deposits, return players’ available balances and inform the Instituto Provincial de Lotería y Casinos (IPLyC), which would promote blocking of affected websites and applications.
What alternative did Facundo Tignanelli present to the ban?
Facundo Tignanelli promoted an initiative that seeks to tighten rules and control mechanisms over online gambling without eliminating it; he said major interests are involved and that they will defend that position.
Which body would execute site and app blocks if the prohibition passes?
The Instituto Provincial de Lotería y Casinos (IPLyC) would be responsible for initiating and promoting the blocking of websites and applications affected by the proposed prohibition.
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About the author
Miguel Sandoval
Regulatory Affairs Correspondent
Miguel Sandoval tracks gambling legislation, licensing, and regulator enforcement — from Spain's DGOJ and the Latin American authorities to the UKGC, the MGA, and the state-by-state map in North America. The reports answer three questions precisely — what changed, where, and who it affects — with jurisdictions, dates, and penalties cited exactly as published. Operators and compliance officers read Miguel Sandoval to know which rulebook moved before their next meeting.
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