Argentinian influencers sanctioned for promoting illegal gambling – but have they got off lightly?

Sixteen celebrities, including Wanda Nara and L-Gante, must publish awareness videos and complete an addiction prevention course as part of a symbolic reparation agreement.

Sixteen Argentinian influencers and celebrities have begun recording awareness videos as part of a symbolic reparation agreement.

After promoting illegal gambling platforms on their social media channels, these public figures are now required to use those same platforms to warn their audiences about the risks associated with such practices.

Juan Bautista Mahiques, Attorney General of the City of Buenos Aires, said: “It was deemed appropriate for the influencers to repair the harm they caused using the same medium through which they caused it.” 

The decision involves Wanda Nara, Elián Valenzuela, also known as L-Gante, Bárbara Silenzi, Sasha Ferro, Mario Laurens and Traniela Campolieto, among others.

The City’s Special Prosecutor’s Office for Gambling, headed by Juan Rozas, is handling the ongoing investigations, which already include 110 cases involving celebrities and influencers who promoted illegal gambling platforms.

As part of the agreement, signed by 16 of the total individuals under investigation, the influencers must produce a video featuring their image and voice to raise awareness about illegal gambling. This video must be shared as a story for three consecutive days and remain visible on their profile feeds for at least one month.

Additionally, the influencers committed to attending an in-person training course on gambling addiction and illegal betting, led by the City of Buenos Aires regulator, LOTBA.

On social media, reactions were divided. Some users criticized the video for appearing to legitimize gambling platforms, while others questioned why the individuals involved were not required to return the profits obtained through the promotions.

Good to know: Since 2023, LOTBA has filed complaints against 82 influencers for promoting illegal betting, such as Cinthia Fernández

According to Rozas, prosecutors chose a swift alternative resolution to promptly address the issue and raise awareness. However, ongoing cases and repeat offenders will face continued investigations, possibly including asset seizures, fines or property embargoes.

To date, over 400 illegal online betting sites have been blocked.

LOTBA president Jesús Acevedo warned: “We’re seeing young people betting from their phones at school, at local sports clubs.

“We’ve even reported influencers promoting these platforms on children’s TV shows. It’s a battle against the misuse of technology.”

Carlos Mendez

Writer

Odds tell a story long before the result does. When bettors learn to read that story properly, betting becomes a matter of discipline and value rather than emotion or guesswork.

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