Strategies to restrict online gambling sites to minors

The Palermo Hippodrome was the meeting place between online betting houses, representatives of the country's lotteries, banking entities and credit cards with the aim of outlining strategies to restrict the entry and permanence of minors to betting platforms . Particularly, the emphasis was placed on the case of illegal betting .

The meeting was convened in the context of the International Day of Responsible Gaming and highlighted the urgent need to increase efforts regarding controls and filters, while at the same time raising awareness about the risks involved in child gambling addiction .

According to the most specialized voices, illegal gambling continues to be the main gateway for minors to access online gambling , due to the weakness of filters and severe regulations.

The president of the Mendoza Lottery and the Argentine State Lottery Association ( ALEA ), Ida López, insisted on the importance of spaces for dialogue, such as if the aim is to successfully convey the message to the most susceptible sectors. “The key is to prevent the use of illegal platforms and raise awareness about the risks of uncontrolled gambling ,” said López.

Support from the AFA and banking institutions

The role played by banks and credit cards was, of course, at the epicentre of the meeting. These entities, through the different tools they offer, represent the main methods of access by minors to illegal online gambling platforms . Fortuitously, financial institutions undertook the commitment to review their systems in order to adjust and improve controls.

For his part, Andrés Paton Urich, manager of Legal Affairs at the Argentine Football Association , stressed the importance of educating players in order to prevent corruption in football matches. “Working with legal platforms is key to safeguarding the integrity of the sport,” he said.

Likewise, the most important betting houses in the country, such as BetWarrior, Betsson, Casino Buenos Aires, and Casino Magic Neuquén, also participated in the debate and agreed on the need to consolidate much more rigorous controls as well as to reinforce the alert regarding illegal online betting platforms .