The Argentina gambling regulation reflects the country’s federal structure, where each of the 23 provinces and the City of Buenos Aires regulate gambling independently. This fragmented system creates challenges for uniform compliance but also opens diverse opportunities across different jurisdictions.
Key Insights
The most structured markets are in Buenos Aires, Córdoba, Mendoza, and Corrientes. Both the Province and City of Buenos Aires were early adopters of formal licensing, with Buenos Aires Province limiting the number of concessions and Buenos Aires City operating an open system. Córdoba requires foreign operators to partner with local entities, while Mendoza offers competitive tenders with a preference for existing casino stakeholders.
Licensing models vary widely. The Buenos Aires gambling licence requires domestic incorporation and strict RTP rules, while Buenos Aires City sets higher financial thresholds, including a $25m minimum net worth. Córdoba mandates local partnerships, legal addresses, and player fund storage within the Bank of Córdoba. Mendoza licences last 10–15 years but come with case-specific financial terms.
The gambling license cost in Argentina also depends on the jurisdiction. Buenos Aires City charges a $30,000 application fee and $100,000 annual licence fee. Buenos Aires Province licences cost around $51,000 for 15 years. Córdoba and Mendoza use concession contracts with bespoke fees.
Taxation further complicates the landscape. The Argentina gambling tax ranges from 25% GGR in Buenos Aires Province to 10% NGR in Buenos Aires City and Córdoba, while Mendoza imposes fixed fees per game. Federally, operators must also navigate VAT on digital services and a deposit tax regime, which applies levies from 5% to 15% depending on whether deposits involve domestic or foreign entities.
Compliance standards are strict across all regulated markets. Operators must implement robust player verification, responsible gambling protocols, and AML segmentation, with ongoing monitoring and reporting to the Financial Intelligence Unit. The Argentina gambling compliance framework also includes national advertising restrictions and provincial limitations, with particular focus on protecting minors and blocking illegal operators.
Despite complexity, the market is formalising quickly. Internet penetration above 89% and a 2023 GGR of ~$821m underscore strong demand. Provinces like Córdoba online gaming and the Mendoza gambling market provide structured entry routes, while broader enforcement against offshore and unlicensed operators signals growing regulatory maturity.
Licensing models vary widely. The Buenos Aires gambling licence requires domestic incorporation and strict RTP rules, while Buenos Aires City sets higher financial thresholds, including a $25m minimum net worth. Córdoba mandates local partnerships, legal addresses, and player fund storage within the Bank of Córdoba. Mendoza licences last 10–15 years but come with case-specific financial terms.
The gambling license cost in Argentina also depends on the jurisdiction. Buenos Aires City charges a $30,000 application fee and $100,000 annual licence fee. Buenos Aires Province licences cost around $51,000 for 15 years. Córdoba and Mendoza use concession contracts with bespoke fees.
Taxation further complicates the landscape. The Argentina gambling tax ranges from 25% GGR in Buenos Aires Province to 10% NGR in Buenos Aires City and Córdoba, while Mendoza imposes fixed fees per game. Federally, operators must also navigate VAT on digital services and a deposit tax regime, which applies levies from 5% to 15% depending on whether deposits involve domestic or foreign entities.
Compliance standards are strict across all regulated markets. Operators must implement robust player verification, responsible gambling protocols, and AML segmentation, with ongoing monitoring and reporting to the Financial Intelligence Unit. The Argentina gambling compliance framework also includes national advertising restrictions and provincial limitations, with particular focus on protecting minors and blocking illegal operators.
Despite complexity, the market is formalising quickly. Internet penetration above 89% and a 2023 GGR of ~$821m underscore strong demand. Provinces like Córdoba online gaming and the Mendoza gambling market provide structured entry routes, while broader enforcement against offshore and unlicensed operators signals growing regulatory maturity.
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