Argentina, Gambling & Everything You Need to Know
Argentina is the second largest country in South America after Brazil, while the fourth in the whole of America. Mostly known because of the beautiful Rio de Janeiro, their beef, and tango. It is also the home to both the highest and the lowest points in the Southern hemisphere. Its capital city, Buenos Aires translates for good airs or fair winds.
Argentina Gambling & Casinos
Gambling in Argentina started as an entertainment in 1882. Its first gambling history started with horse race betting which was founded by Jockey Club in Buenos Aires. Then it actively started to develop in the 1990s. The gambling market started to be filled with operators and land-based establishments. However, the government has started to license both offline and online types of casinos in 2002.
Aside from land-based casinos, the cruise liners is also a popular casino destination especially for tourists. Today, around 200 offline casinos with more than 25,000 slot machines and 1,000 table games are available in the country. Gambling in Argentina is diverse. Casino gaming includes poker and bingo while betting offers horse racing and sports betting along with lottery and fantasy betting.
Since Argentina is a federal-based country, all of its administrative regions hold authority. Although the 23 provinces and the city of Buenos Aires has authority over a number of things, they do not include the criminal sector. It is under the watch of the Argentine National Congress. They are the authority which is responsible to both civil and commercial law regulation, including gambling. This means, the provinces can only set laws and regulations, if gambling is allowed in their jurisdiction.
This also means that if the authority does not approve it, gambling is also not allowed. Although the provinces can request a full registration of all types of gambling license, most of time, only operators can be licensed. Buenos Aires is the top location for casinos and casino operators like William Hill, 888 Holdings, and Playtech. It only shows how promising the gambling market in Argentina is. However, tax rates might be quite expensive for the smaller companies. This is because the Gross Gambling Revenue (GGR) is taxed for 25%. Also, all foreign operators should be a member of a temporary union of companies or UTE.
Online Gambling in Argentina
Just like many developing countries, Argentina does not allow offshore gambling. For example, the Lotería de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires SE or Buenos Aires’ gambling authority has strict regulations over illegal activity through banning operators with suspicious documentation and online operations without permit. Also, online gambling transactions should all be in Argentinian peso, cryptocurrency or the like is not allowed in the country.
Since Buenos Aires is the most active in terms of online gambling, the authority has started to develop and legalize the online casino in Argentina. Also, since the beginning of 2020, online gambling has been fully legalized and approved by the Argentinian government.
Payment Methods in Argentina
Online gambling in Argentina has been legalized which means online payment transactions will also be necessary. There are several popular and secure payment methods available in the country which will surely allow smooth deposit and withdrawal transactions to and from the casino players are gambling at. We have listed the most recommended payment methods for Argentinian gamblers below.
- Mastercard
- Visa
- Skrill
- Neteller
- PaySafeCard
- Rapi Pago
- Pago Fàcil
- Mercado Pago
How to Bet Online in Argentina
Argentinian bettors can bet through several online bookmakers which are licensed and legal in their country. Starting your betting journey is easy. First, make sure that your region or province allows gambling, and check the list of who the licensed online gambling operators or websites in Argentina are. Most probably, those operated by William Hill, Playtech, and 888 holdings are legal in the country.
If you’re done choosing the online casino you want to play at, you can now sign up. Most casinos require your name, mobile number, email, and birthday. They may also ask you for your bank or payment details and your desired payment method for the deposit of your bet and the withdrawal of your win. Afterwards, you can then choose which game you play, deposit the minimum betting amount and start playing.
Online Games in Argentina
The Online gaming industry is also big in Argentina. It has continued to rapidly grow since new operators come to the market. It started in Buenos Aires and the rest of the country later embraced iGaming as a viable commercial platform. Several operators like Codere Online, B-Gaming and 888 which are both owned by the Boldt Group, Gaming Innovation Group (GIG), and William Hill has launched their platforms in the country following its legalization. Most of this big shots offer both online casino and sportsbook betting to the Argentinian customers.
Other operators have also shown their interest in the gambling market which is booming in Argentina. However, setting a limit on how much you will spend for every day can also be done during sign up or you can set one for yourself.
FAQs for Argentinian Gamblers
Can you use Cryptocurrency for Online Gambling in Argentina?
No, online gambling and betting using Argentinian peso is the only one allowed. Other currencies are not available.
Are gambling winnings taxed in Argentina?
It is not clear if winnings are taxed, but starting 2021, any online betting transaction has been taxed 5%.