Build up
Argentineans are about to face the wrath of the authorities regarding all forms of online gambling. The long-arm of the law has decided to put an end to all untaxed, unregistered online gambling activity. The latest unpopular bill to be proposed would effectively eliminate all online gambling. Councilor Luis Alberto Mauri wants all gambling Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to block Argentineans from accessing their websites.

This is going to prove an unenviable challenge, given the country’s love of gambling activity.

Greater Control
Lawmakers are quick to point out that they are all for regulated and taxable gambling activity, but not for the unregulated version. The targets of the new bill include: casino games, sports betting, poker and bingo. This is the only way for government to get a slice of the action, so they think.

The bill does not punish gamblers but imposes punitive measures on Internet casinos and gaming sites. However it must be born in mind that if increased revenues are desired, then regulation not prohibition is the answer.

The two bills
The first Bill basically called all forms of online gambling illegal – although what qualifies as ‘online gambling’ is still uncertain. The second bill places the onus on ISPs to prohibit citizens from accessing online gambling sites as well as listing the aforementioned gambling activities as illegal.

Penalties for violation of these terms, if the bill is successful in passing, may result in fines or imprisonment. Now ISP will be in the position of blocking those sites that are online gambling sites. Amidst the controversy, citizens are calling for the widespread regulation of the industry, not it’s foreclosure.