Buenos Aires Lottery official spoke about illegal gambling’s impact on minors
Although lottery execs predictably take stances against other forms of gambling, he warned that unregulated platforms dominate Argentina’s gambling scene and exploit minors via influencers.
Key Points
- Illegal gambling represents 65-75% of Argentina’s total betting volume, according to the official
- Minors access unregulated platforms through social media and influencer promotion
- Enforcement efforts shutted down 2,100 illegal sites but face a “five-headed monster” challenge
Jesús Acevedo, President of Buenos Aires City Lottery, spoke with Infobae Live, an Argentinian newspaper, and said he believes illegal gambling represents between 65% and 75% of the total betting volume in Argentina.
According to Acevedo, this unregulated environment creates risks for minors who access these platforms through mobile devices.
Acevedo highlighted the difference between regulated and illegal gambling: legal platforms use the .bet.ar domain, signaling approval by regulatory authorities.
He noted that illegal platforms operate without oversight, and said: “Despite enforcement actions resulting in the shutdown of over 2,100 illegal platforms, the battle against illegal gambling resembles a five-headed monster: you cut one head and four more grow.
“The illegal gambling market operates through sophisticated structures funded by substantial resources. For example, influencers who receive payments for promoting these platforms. This is why Buenos Aires City has created a specialized prosecutor’s office for illegal gambling, conducting simultaneous raids that uncovered weapons and cash.”
He then followed by speaking about minors, which, according to him, represent a concern for illegal platforms. Acevedo stated that “minors and gambling should never be the standard.” He highlighted a “semantic trap” where children believe they’re “playing at betting” without understanding risks.
Buenos Aires has recently launched a campaign under the motto “To Speak is To Win” to encourage parental dialogue about gambling risks. Acevedo said: “Parents typically accompany children in many activities, but screen time often occurs unsupervised, creating invisible risks.
“Illegal platforms target minors through social media and influencers. The process begins with welcome bonuses and initial wins designed to attract users. Due to a lack of maturity, minors can develop a gambling addiction.”
Good to know: Legal sites require ID verification, proof of residence and bank account validation. Recent measures also include biometric controls and weekly audits to strengthen oversight
Besides, he also noted how the payment systems operate informally, including cash delivery via motorcycle couriers or operating accounts through messaging apps like Telegram and WhatsApp.
He stated: “Kids have a casino in their hands when they use their phones. These are new and invisible addictions that are difficult for families and society to detect.”
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