Published December 19, 2024
Words by Aiste Joksaite

In a significant move to regulate online gambling and protect vulnerable populations, Argentina has introduced strict nationwide requirements for biometric identity and age verification. The new legislation mandates digital identity verification for all online gambling platforms, aiming to curb underage participation and address problem gambling. These measures mark a turning point in the country’s approach to the booming gambling industry, with a clear focus on user accountability and societal well-being.

The Key Features of Argentina’s New Gambling Laws

The key features of argentina's new gambling laws

The legislation, recently passed by Argentina’s Chamber of Deputies with a vote of 139 to 36, includes the following key provisions:

Mandatory Biometric Age and ID Verification:
Online gambling platforms must implement systems for identity verification using the national digital ID operated by RENAPER (Registro Nacional de las Personas). This process incorporates facial biometrics to confirm the user’s identity and ensure they meet the legal gambling age requirements.

Verification at Every Visit:
Unlike one-time verifications, users must complete biometric ID verification each time they access an online gambling platform. This stringent measure aims to prevent account sharing and unauthorised access by minors.

Data Protection Compliance:
Platforms are required to handle and store collected data securely, adhering to Argentina’s national data protection laws. This ensures that user privacy is safeguarded during the verification process.

Gambling Advertisement Ban:
The legislation also introduces a nationwide ban on gambling-related advertisements. This provision is intended to reduce gambling’s visibility and appeal, particularly among younger audiences.

Biometric Verification for Withdrawals:
To enhance financial accountability, gamblers will need to undergo biometric verification when withdrawing funds from their accounts.

A Broader Push to Curb Gambling Harms

Argentina’s new laws are part of a larger effort to address the societal impacts of online gambling. The decision to implement biometric and ID verification aligns Argentina with global trends in gambling regulations. Countries worldwide are increasingly enforcing age restrictions and turning to digital identity solutions to combat fraud, ensure compliance, and protect vulnerable populations.

Global Context: Argentina and Its Neighbours

Argentina’s move comes as neighbouring Brazil is rolling out its own stringent iGaming regulations. Brazil’s framework mandates operators integrate advanced identity verification systems and responsible gaming tools. Several companies have already embraced these changes, employing technologies like 3D facial recognition to comply with the law.

For example, Brazil has already implemented tools that compare facial biometrics with official records. Such tools ensure age verification while maintaining a frictionless user experience, offering a model for similar initiatives in Argentina.

The Role of Biometric Verification in Responsible Gambling

Biometric identity verification is central to Argentina’s online gambling verification strategy, offering several advantages:

Enhanced Accuracy: Facial recognition and other biometric technologies provide precise age and identity verification, reducing the risk of fraud.

Real-Time Compliance: Continuous verification ensures that users remain compliant with regulations during every platform visit.

Minimised Risk for Vulnerable Populations: By preventing underage access, these measures protect younger users from gambling-related harms.

As age verification providers become more advanced, integrating such systems is proving to be a critical step in modern gambling regulation.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Gambling in Argentina

Argentina’s bold regulatory steps will likely reshape its gambling industry, encouraging operators to adopt more responsible practices. The emphasis on biometrics and digital ID systems reflects a commitment to safeguarding users while maintaining the integrity of the online gambling market.

Compliance will be challenging for operators, but thriving in this new regulatory environment is necessary. At the same time, these measures set a precedent for neighbouring countries and other regions grappling with the societal impacts of online gambling.

As the legislation takes effect, it remains to be seen how effectively it curbs gambling-related issues. However, one thing is clear: Argentina is taking a proactive stance to ensure that online gambling operates within a framework of accountability, security, and social responsibility.

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    FAQ

    Age verification digital identity refers to technology that uses digital credentials to confirm a user's age without exposing excessive personal information. Examples include secure tokens, biometrics, or third-party verification systems designed to ensure compliance with privacy regulations.
    Age verification is safe when implemented with strong privacy protections, such as encryption and minimal data collection.
    Evidence for age verification comes from the need to comply with laws like the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) or GDPR’s Age Appropriate Design Code. Studies show that effective age checks can reduce underage access to harmful content.
    Published December 19, 2024
    Words by Aiste Joksaite