Publication date: 1 December 2025
What is a Gambling License in Argentina?
Gambling license in Argentina is a permit issued by provincial or municipal authorities that legalizes an operator’s activity in the field of gambling within a specific Argentine region. By obtaining such a license, companies (bookmakers and online casino operators) gain the right to offer betting and gaming services on one of Latin America’s fastest-growing markets. Why should you drive traffic to casinos and bookmakers in Argentina? Read more on 3S.INFO!
Market Feature: Argentina has a decentralized regulatory system where each of its 24 provinces establishes its own licensing rules. For example, licenses are issued by Lotería de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires (LOTBA S.E.) in the City of Buenos Aires (CABA), by Instituto Provincial de Lotería y Casinos (IPLyC BA) in Buenos Aires Province, by Instituto de Loterías y Casinos de Córdoba in Córdoba, and by Lotería de Mendoza in Mendoza.
This information is provided for informational purposes based on open sources. Regulations and requirements may change. Before submitting documents, it is necessary to consult with a local lawyer and verify current regulator requirements.
Legal Regulation of Gambling in Argentina
In Argentina, there is no unified federal law governing gambling. Regulation is carried out at the provincial level according to their constitutional powers.
Federal Initiatives: Since 2023, bills have been discussed regarding the creation of a federal regulator, but as of November 2025, there is still no single regulating authority at the federal level.
Source: ICLG Gambling Laws and Regulations Argentina 2025
Key Jurisdictions and Their Regulators:
- City of Buenos Aires (CABA): Lotería de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires (LOTBA S.E.).
- Buenos Aires Province: PLyC BA (Instituto Provincial de Lotería y Casinos).
- Córdoba: Instituto de Loterías y Casinos.
- Mendoza: Lotería de Mendoza.
- Santa Fe: Lotería de Santa Fe.
Comparison of Key Jurisdictions in Argentina
| Province | Regulator | License Term | Registration Fee | Tax on GGR | Features |
| City of Buenos Aires | Lotería de la Ciudad | 5-10 years | ~$100,000 | 5-10% | Most developed online segment |
| Buenos Aires Province | PLyC BA (Instituto Provincial de Lotería y Casinos) | 5 years | ~$50,000-80,000 | 8-15% | Largest population |
| Córdoba | Instituto de Loterías | 5 years | ~$30,000-50,000 | 10-20% | Emerging market |
| Mendoza | Lotería de Mendoza | 5 years | ~$20,000-40,000 | 8-12% | Stable regulatory environment |
Note: Amounts are approximate and require confirmation from regulators.
Who Issues and Oversees Gambling Licenses in Argentina?
Licensing and oversight responsibilities are distributed among provincial lottery institutions:
- CABA: Lotería de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires (LOTBA S.E.): Most advanced jurisdiction for online gambling.
- Lotería de la Provincia de Buenos Aires (LOTBA): Second-most important province.
- Provincial Lottery Institutes: In Córdoba, Mendoza, Santa Fe, etc.
What Types of Gambling Licenses Exist in Argentina?
The licensing system varies from province to province, but the most sought-after licenses are those for sports betting and online casinos. Bookmaking activities are regulated separately in each jurisdiction.
| License Type | Allows | Province-specific Features |
| Sports Betting License | Sport betting, esports, horse racing bets | Required in every province of operation. Most developed segment |
| Online Casino License | Slots, roulette, blackjack, live dealers | Available in major provinces. Requires software certification |
| Poker License | Poker rooms, tournaments, cash games | Available in limited number of provinces |
| Combined License (sportsbook + casino) | All types of gambling | Available in CABA and Córdoba. Optimal for large operators |
Rules and Restrictions for Bookmakers and Online Casinos in Argentina
Specific Requirements of the Argentinian Market:
- Player Verification: Mandatory identification before first play;
- Localization: All materials must be in Spanish;
- Reporting: Regular reporting to provincial regulators;
- Age Restriction: Standardly 18+ (proof required);
- Advertising Limits: Strict regulations in each province;
- Responsible Gaming: Mandatory self-control systems and limits;
- AML/CFT: Anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing programs.
Estimated Costs and Fees (2025)
Attention! The amounts listed below are approximate and can vary significantly depending on the province and specific conditions. Local legal advice is recommended.
| Payment Type | Approximate Amount | Notes and Variations |
| Registration Fee | $50,000 – $150,000 | Varies greatly by province. CABA: ~$100,000 |
| GGR Tax Rates (Bets) | 5% – 15% | Depends on province + possible additional fees |
| GGR Tax Rates (Casino) | 8% – 20% | Maximum rates for slots and table games |
| Annual License Fee | $10,000 – $100,000 | Depends on turnover and number of provinces |
| Deposit Tax | 1% – 3% | Some provinces tax each deposit |
| Technical Certification | $20,000 – $50,000 | One-time payment upon receiving license |
Requirements for Gambling Operators to Obtain an Argentinian License
To successfully obtain a license for betting and online casinos, the following criteria must be met:
| Requirement Category | Typical Conditions |
| Legal Status | Usually requires registration of a legal entity in Argentina (most commonly S.A.) |
| Business Reputation | Verification of beneficial owners holding over 5%. Criminal record certificates |
| Financial Stability | Confirmation of legality of funding sources |
| Technical Requirements | Software certification, integration with monitoring systems |
| Payment Systems | Integration with local providers (Mercado Pago, Ualá, etc.) |
| Data Protection | Compliance with local personal data protection requirements |
How to Get a Gambling License in Argentina: A Step-by-Step Guide
Short Checklist of Key Requirements for Obtaining a Gambling License in Argentina:
- Legal Status: Company registered in Argentina, local representative appointed.
- Reputation: All beneficiaries and executives passed reliability checks.
- Finances: Financial stability confirmed, capital sources verified.
- Technology: Software certified compliant with provincial standards.
- Player Protection: Verification, limit, and responsible gaming systems implemented.
- Payments: Integration with local payment systems (Mercado Pago, Ualá).
- Documentation: Full set of documents in Spanish language.
- Tax Compliance: Preparedness for multiple taxes and fees.
Note: Specific requirements may vary depending on the province.
Validity Period and Renewal of Gambling License in Argentina
Licenses are typically issued for periods ranging from 5 to 10 years, depending on the province. The renewal process begins 6-12 months prior to expiration and requires verification of compliance with all regulatory requirements during the previous period.
Renewal Requirements for Argentinian License:
- No significant violations during the license term;
- Timely payment of all taxes and fees;
- Updated documentation requested by the regulator;
- Confirmation of financial stability.
How to Identify a Legal Operator in Argentina
Signs of a Legal Platform:
- Display of license number and regulator’s name on website;
- Local payment methods (Mercado Pago, Ualá, Pago Fácil, Modo Pay, Rapipago, Pago Fácil);
- 24/7 support in Spanish;
- Responsible gaming and verification systems;
- Transparent terms and conditions;
- Clear information about taxes and fees.
Signs of an Illegal Platform:
- Absence of license information;
- Only international payment methods;
- Support only in English;
- Lack of responsible gaming tools;
- Unclear or hidden terms.
Liability for Operating Without a License in Argentina
Operating without a proper license may result in:
- Large fines and administrative liability;
- Domain blocking and cessation of payment operations;
- Criminal prosecution in serious cases;
- Ban on future business activities;
- Confiscation of illegally obtained income.
Operators in the Argentinian Market
International operators present in the market: Bet365, Rushbet, Codere, Betsson, William Hill (in certain jurisdictions through partnership agreements), and others.
Local brands: Bplay, Boldt, Toto, Jugadon.com.
Pros and Cons of a Gambling License in Argentina: Risk and Advantage Analysis 2025
Advantages of Entering the Argentinian iGaming Market
- Largest market in Latin America — access to over 45 million potential customers.
- High engagement in gambling — gambling deeply integrated into local culture.
- Rapidly growing online segment — dynamic development of betting and casinos in digital format.
- Multi-jurisdictionality — possibility to operate in several provinces with different regulators.
Key Risks and Challenges for Gambling Operators in Argentina
- Economic instability — ongoing high inflation and volatility.
- Currency restrictions — difficulties converting pesos and withdrawing funds in USD.
- Regulatory fragmentation — need to obtain licenses in each province of presence.
- Tax burden — multiple taxes (GGR, deposit, annual fees).
- Language barrier — all documentation and support require Spanish language.
- Bureaucratic complexities — lengthy approval procedures with regulators.
Useful Sources and Links
- ICLG Argentina Gambling 2025: International overview of legislation;
- InfoLEG: Official registry of Argentinian regulations.
The Argentinian betting and online casino market is attractive yet challenging due to its decentralized regulatory system. Acquiring a license involves substantial time and financial investments, along with a deep understanding of local peculiarities in each province. It is highly recommended to seek consultation with local legal and tax advisors before initiating the process.
FAQ
How do you get an online casino license in Argentina?
Acquiring a license requires registering a legal entity in Argentina, passing background checks on beneficial owners, certifying your gaming software, and integrating with local payment providers. The process varies by province as there is no single federal regulator. A detailed step-by-step guide and key requirements are outlined in the “How to Get a License” section and the requirements checklist.
How much does a sports betting license cost in Argentina?
The cost of a license depends entirely on the province. The initial registration fee can range from approximately $20,000 USD (Mendoza) to around $100,000 USD (City of Buenos Aires). Operators also pay Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) taxes (5%-20%), annual fees, and other levies. Estimated costs and a detailed fee breakdown for 2025 are provided in the “Estimated Costs and Fees” table.
Who issues gambling licenses in Argentina, and which is the main regulator?
Argentina has no single federal gambling authority. Licenses are issued by provincial lottery institutes. The key regulators are Lotería de la Ciudad (CABA), IPLyC BA (Buenos Aires Province), and the institutes in Córdoba, Mendoza, and Santa Fe. The City of Buenos Aires (CABA) is considered the most advanced jurisdiction for online gambling.
What types of gambling licenses are available in Argentina?
The main license types are for sports betting, online casinos, poker, and combined licenses (sportsbook + casino). Availability and specific terms differ by province. For instance, a combined license is available in CABA and Córdoba. You can compare key jurisdictions in the dedicated table and review all license types in the “What Types of Gambling Licenses Exist” section.
What are the key pros and cons of entering the Argentine iGaming market?
Pros: Access to a large market (45+ million people), high gambling engagement culturally, and a rapidly growing online segment. Cons: Economic volatility, currency controls, a fragmented regulatory landscape (requiring separate licenses per province), and a significant tax burden. A complete 2025 risk and advantage analysis is available at the end of the article.
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