Argentina Casino Guide
Getting Started
As the second largest country in South America, there is a massive market of potential bettors ready and waiting for gambling companies in Argentina. However, owing to the nature of the country’s gambling laws, some operators must jump through hoops to reach them. Can you gamble in Argentina, and what kinds of casinos can you play at?
We’ve taken an in-depth look at the gambling regulations in the South American country, and we’ve broken them down into simple, straightforward, easy-to-read sentences. If you want to know what you can legally bet on in Argentina, read on to find out more.
Argentina’s Gambling Laws and Regulations
For years, Argentina didn’t permit any form of gambling (save for lottery games). This all changed in May 1999, when the Supreme Court determined that as a federal republic, each Argentine province should decide for itself what the laws surrounding legal gambling are. Many provinces have since taken it upon themselves to do just that, although lottery gambling remained legal and regulated at a national level until 2018 when it was replaced by regional lotteries.
Gambling is legal (in some form) in almost every Argentine province, assuming you are aged 18 or over. These laws span most forms of land-based gambling activities. Each province has its own licensing body, and any business must obtain a license from the relevant province that they wish to cater to. Naturally, this makes things tricky for online casino operators.
Online casino operators are often required to have ample licenses to cater to players in multiple Argentine provinces. Even then, the level of regulation and licensing provided by each province is minimal compared to other major nations. Thus far, online gambling is regulated and legal in the following provinces:
- Buenos Aires
- Chaco
- Corrientes
- Entre Ríos
- Jujuy and Catamarca
- La Pampa
- Mendoza
- Misiones
- Neuquén
- Río Negro
- San Luis
- Santa Cruz
- Santa Fe
- Tucumán
Online gambling has not yet been legalised in Chubut, Córdoba, Formosa, La Rioja, Salta, Santiago del Estero, and Tierra del Fuego. However, it is believed to be just a matter of time before those provinces change their laws.
Who Regulates and Licenses Argentine Casino Sites?
Officially, every gambling site must have been given permission from ALEA (Asociación de Loterías Quinelas y Casinos Estatales) before they begin offering their services. However, ALEA doesn’t grant operators a license. Instead, it is each regional authority that licenses and regulates casinos and betting sites. There are over twenty of these in operation, and sites need one for each of the provinces they wish to operate in.
Offshore casinos cater to Argentines, too, but most of these are not provincially licensed sites. As such, they technically aren’t allowed to offer their services to players in the South American country. Despite that, many do so anyway. By passing the buck onto the provinces, there isn’t really a federal authority to clamp down on offshore casinos, although some ISPs do try and block access to those sites. The level of licensing and regulation of offshore casinos catering to Argentines varies wildly.
Argentina’s Most Popular Gambling Games
Argentina is a country where casino games and sports betting are the most popular forms of gambling available. Table games such as roulette, blackjack, poker, and numerous dice games have proven popular with Argentines. There are also ample slots for them to choose from.
Argentines are football mad, so expect sports bets on football to feature highly at gambling sites. Rugby bets are also commonplace amongst Argentine sports betting fans. Video bingo games are also popular in Argentina. The national lottery used to be hugely popular with citizens, but that was discarded in 2018 in favour of regional lottos. Lottery games are still a hit with bettors, with many Argentines actively wagering on lotteries.
Argentina doesn’t have many established casino software providers. However, arguably the most prominent of those you will find at casinos in Argentina is End 2 End. This is a bingo tech company that also dabbles in producing homegrown games for Argentines to play at selected provincially licensed betting sites.
Who Can Play?
Most of Argentina’s legal provincial casinos are only permitted to offer games in the province they are licensed in. Therefore, for the most part, Argentines can only play in casinos located in their region. However, there are exceptions – multi-province licensed sites, for instance.
Outsiders aren’t likely to be able to sign up for these casinos because they would lack the necessary details to complete the KYC process. A VPN will be of little use here. Even if they could sign-up, everything is in Spanish.
Argentina’s licensed casinos do not offer gameplay in English (for the most part).
Offshore casinos are technically illegal in Argentina, but few authorities have the clout to shut them down. Many accept players from Argentina and even go as far as accepting the Argentine peso to make them feel welcome.
Argentine Online Casino Payment Options
In Argentina, online casinos offer a variety of payment methods tailored to the preferences and needs of local players. Here are some of the most common payment methods available to Argentine players:
- Credit and Debit Cards: Widely accepted and popular among Argentine players, Visa and Mastercard are the two major credit and debit card options. They offer convenience, security, and relatively quick transaction times. Some online casinos may also accept local card providers, such as Tarjeta Naranja or Cabal.
- Bank Transfers: Another common payment method in Argentina is direct bank transfers. Players can fund their online casino accounts by transferring money from their bank accounts. Some popular banks that offer this service in Argentina include Banco de la Nación Argentina, Banco Santander, and BBVA.
- Cryptocurrencies: With the growing popularity of digital currencies, many Argentine players have turned to cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin for online gambling. These payment methods provide privacy, security, and swift transactions without the need for intermediaries.
- E-Wallets: E-wallets have become a popular choice for Argentine players due to their ease of use, convenience, and speedy transactions. Some of the popular e-wallet options available in Argentina include Neteller, Skrill, and ecoPayz.
- Prepaid Cards: Prepaid cards such as Paysafecard and AstroPay Card are widely accepted in Argentine online casinos. They provide players with anonymity and help them control their spending. These cards can be purchased at local stores or online, and can be topped up with the desired amount for gambling purposes.
- Mobile Payments: In recent years, mobile payment methods have gained popularity in Argentina. Services like Mercado Pago, Ualá, and Rapipago allow players to fund their casino accounts directly from their mobile devices. These payment methods are generally fast, secure, and convenient.
- Local Cash Transfer Services: Some Argentine players may prefer to use local cash transfer services, such as Pago Fácil or Provincia NET, for depositing funds into their online casino accounts. These services allow players to make cash payments at local branches, which are then credited to their casino accounts.
Remember that not all online casinos will offer all of these payment methods, and some may have restrictions or fees associated with certain options. It is always a good idea to check the casino’s terms and conditions or consult customer support to ensure you choose the best payment method for your needs.
New Online Casinos Argentina 2024
F.A.Q's
1. Is online gambling legal in Argentina?
Yes, online gambling is legal in Argentina, but regulations can vary by province. The Argentine government has granted licenses to several online casinos, and players can also access offshore gambling sites. To ensure you’re playing at a reputable site, always check the casino’s licensing and regulation information, which can be found in our Licensing and Regulation guide category.
2. What payment methods are popular in Argentina for online gambling?
Argentine players have various options for depositing and withdrawing at online casinos. Some popular methods include credit cards, bank transfers, e-wallets like Skrill and Neteller, and local payment solutions like Pago Facil and Rapipago. For more details, visit our Payment Methods page.
3. Are winnings from online gambling taxable in Argentina?
As of our last update in 2021, winnings from online gambling are not subject to taxes in Argentina. However, tax laws can change, so it’s essential to consult with a local tax professional for the most up-to-date information on this matter.
4. Can I play casino games on my mobile device in Argentina?
Yes, many online casinos offer mobile-friendly websites or dedicated apps for players in Argentina. You can enjoy a wide variety of casino games on your smartphone or tablet. Learn more about mobile gaming options in our Mobile Gaming guide category.
5. Are online casino games fair and random in Argentina?
Reputable online casinos use Random Number Generators (RNGs) to ensure fair and random outcomes in their games. To ensure you’re playing at a fair casino, check for certifications from independent testing agencies such as eCOGRA or iTech Labs. Learn more about RNGs and fair gaming in our Software and Technology guide category.
6. Can I play live dealer games in Argentina?
Yes, Argentine players can access a wide range of live dealer games at various online casinos. Live dealer games provide a more immersive experience, as they feature real dealers and real-time gameplay. Discover more about live dealer games in our Live Dealers page.
7. Are there any bonuses for Argentine players at online casinos?
Yes, many online casinos offer bonuses and promotions for Argentine players, such as welcome bonuses, free spins, and reload bonuses. You can find more information on bonuses and loyalty programs in our Bonuses and Loyalty Programs guide category. Remember to read the terms and conditions before claiming any bonus to understand the wagering requirements and other restrictions.
8. How can I ensure my safety and security when gambling online in Argentina?
Playing at licensed and regulated online casinos is the best way to ensure your safety and security. Look for casinos that use SSL encryption to protect your data and offer secure payment methods. Learn more about staying safe online in our Safety and Security guide category.
9. What resources are available for problem gambling in Argentina?
If you’re struggling with problem gambling, it’s essential to seek help. Argentina has organizations like Juego Responsable and self-exclusion programs to assist players in need. For more information on problem gambling and available resources, visit our Problem Gambling guide category.
10. Are there any specific laws or regulations I should be aware of when gambling online in Argentina?
Argentina’s online gambling laws are complex, as regulations can vary by province. It’s essential to familiarize yourself with the laws in your region and ensure that the casino you choose is licensed and regulated accordingly. For more information on gambling legislation, visit our Licensing and Regulation guide category.