Argentina: Coti Romero case reignites debate over influencer gambling promotions

Argentine influencer and former Gran Hermano contestant Coti Romero recently lost access to her Instagram account, reportedly due to the promotion of unlicensed online casinos.

Romero told local media that she initially believed the block was temporary, but later confirmed that her account had been permanently disabled. She said: “I learned the hard way; I won’t do it anymore.” According to her, her profile, followed by millions, was central to her brand partnerships, live appearances, and promotional work.

According to press reports, the suspension came after multiple complaints related to advertising for unauthorized betting platforms in Argentina. While Romero claimed she had not been formally notified of specific violations, her content included promotions for gambling sites operating without licenses in the country.

Romero’s case mirrors what has been happening in recent months with high-profile figures including Wanda Nara, L-Gante, and other influencers who have been publicly called out for promoting illegal casinos and betting sites. 

Despite this, none have faced significant legal consequences. Most were invited to participate in a Reparation Agreement promoted by the Specialized Prosecutor’s Office for Gambling, a measure widely viewed as a light sanction, even though Argentine law explicitly prohibits advertising for unlicensed operators.

This lack of enforcement has created a permissive environment where the real barrier comes from platform moderation policies on Instagram or YouTube, while state oversight remains largely absent.

Good to know: A Brazilian influencer, Maria Vitória Lima, was arrested after allegedly earning millions through promoting illegal gambling platforms

Legal experts note that outdated regulatory frameworks and the absence of exemplary sanctions have turned illegal gambling promotion into a low-risk, high-reward activity for influencers, a dynamic that creates unfair competition and threatens the integrity of Argentina’s regulated gaming sector.

Romero herself acknowledged the risk: “I knew it was wrong and that I was taking a risk, but it was what paid the most, and I had to support myself here in Buenos Aires.”

Her admission highlights a systemic failure: when illegal promotion pays best and enforcement remains symbolic, platforms, not laws, end up setting the rules in Argentina’s gaming market.

However, influencers’ moral compass does appear to resurface when they are hit where it hurts – perhaps working together with social media companies to close accounts could be an effective way forward for gambling regulators.

Carlos Mendez

Writer

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