Argentinian ex-Minister concerned about gambling addiction among minors, calls for improved regulation
María Migliore, former Minister of Human Development and Habitat at the Government of the City of Buenos Aires, called for political engagement.
Key Points
- María Migliore raised concerns about the lack of regulations in Argentina
- She also emphasized the need for political involvement
- A law is currently in progress but has only received preliminary approval
María Migliore, political scientist and former Minister of Human Development and Habitat at the Government of the City of Buenos Aires, Argentina, has raised concern about gambling addiction and the lack of regulations preventing minors from accessing gaming platforms.
In a conversation with Infobae, an Argentinian newspaper, she cited a paper by Digital Wellbeing and UNICEF, which states that at least 70% of people under 18 have either gambled online themselves or know someone who has, which sets a shift from a few years ago, when gambling required being physically present at a betting location.
In November, 2024, Argentina discussed a law aiming to limit online gambling ads in major events such as live and broadcasted sporting shows and public shows; limiting underagers to being able to gamble online; adding financial education at school; and preventing people with direct or indirect ties to online betting companies from being part of electoral lists for sports civil associations. The bill has received preliminary approval, but has not since been discussed further.
“We need to take responsibility through public policy” – María Migliore
During a public consultation, one person said: “What’s worrying is how easy it is – with just 1,000 pesos, you’re in the game. I was part of it too; I placed bets during school recess. It’s easy because all they ask is that you confirm you’re of legal age, but they don’t require any documentation.”
Migliore stated: “This issue needs to be addressed on three levels. First, we need to understand what’s happening to young people – gambling is the consequence, but there’s a deeper crisis of meaning, and we’re not supporting them as we should. Second, responsibility must be taken by families, schools, institutions and adults in general. And third, politics must step in to regulate the powerful interests behind it all.”
Migliore also added: “We still can’t fully grasp the consequences of this. Gambling is now easy and accessible. A 16-year-old who starts gambling is the result of a child exposed to technology from the age of 2 or 3. We need to take responsibility through public policy.”
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