Authorities in Buenos Aires have intensified their campaign against unauthorized online gambling after courts ordered the blocking of seven websites found to be operating without the required licenses in the city.

The action followed an investigation led by the Buenos Aires City Lottery (LOTBA), which identified the platforms as part of organized illegal gambling operations. According to authorities, the sites lacked basic consumer protection measures, including identity verification and age-checking systems, raising concerns about access by minors.

According to SBC Noticias, the blocking measures were carried out by the Specialized Criminal Prosecutor’s Office for Gambling (FEJA), headed by prosecutor Juan Rozas, after evidence gathered by regulators and investigators was presented before the courts.

The orders were issued by Buenos Aires City Criminal, Misdemeanor and Petty Offenses Courts No. 4, No. 19 and No. 21. The cases were overseen by judges María Julia Correa, Agustín Riggi and Paula Núñez Gelves.

The investigations originated from complaints submitted by LOTBA together with the Argentine Chamber of Casinos, Bingos and Related Facilities. The Judicial Investigations Corps of the Buenos Aires City Public Prosecutor’s Office conducted investigative work that supported the enforcement actions.

Investigation Finds Organized Illegal Operations

Authorities said the seven websites were more than isolated unauthorized platforms. Through monitoring, inspections and digital tracing, investigators concluded that the operations formed structured networks dedicated to offering online gambling services outside the regulated framework.

A further concern emerged during the investigation when officials found that some websites appeared to imitate the branding or identity of licensed operators. According to authorities, the tactic was used to create confusion among users and direct them toward unauthorized gambling environments.

Regulators also highlighted the absence of verification procedures designed to confirm a user’s identity or age. As a result, minors could potentially access the platforms without restrictions.

LOTBA and FEJA identified this issue as one of the most serious findings of the investigation, citing the risks associated with gambling among children and adolescents. The lack of safeguards was also referenced by FEJA when explaining the decision to pursue enforcement measures against the operators.

The prosecutor’s office stated that the conduct under review falls within Article 301 bis of Argentina’s Criminal Code, which establishes penalties for the unauthorized operation, administration, organization or exploitation of gambling activities.

Enforcement Efforts Expand Beyond Gambling Sites

The blocking of the seven platforms forms part of a broader strategy by Buenos Aires authorities to address illegal gambling activity across multiple channels.

In recent months, FEJA has widened its focus beyond operators themselves to include individuals and businesses involved in promoting unauthorized gambling services. Authorities have argued that marketing and referral activity can play a significant role in directing consumers to unregulated websites.

This approach was highlighted in late September when FEJA reached agreements with 16 Argentine influencers who had been criminally indicted for promoting illegal online casinos through their social media accounts.

Among those involved were dancer Adabel Guerrero and sports journalist Flavio Azzaro, along with 14 other influencers. Under the agreements, participants were required to share a public awareness campaign focused on the risks associated with unregulated gambling websites.

The campaign sought to inform users about the absence of protections on illegal platforms and the potential consequences for younger audiences.

The statement featured in the initiative said: “Right now, there are minors betting on illegal sites. The problem with these pages is that they have no controls or filters, and what starts as a game can end badly. They steal your money and your personal data.”

Authorities Promote Legal Gambling Channels

Alongside enforcement actions, officials have continued efforts to direct consumers toward regulated gambling options and responsible gambling resources.

The awareness campaign encouraged the public to engage with LOTBA’s responsible gambling programs, including educational initiatives intended to increase understanding of gambling-related risks. Influencers participating in the campaign were also asked to discourage the use and promotion of unauthorized operators.

A key message of the initiative focused on helping users identify licensed operators within Argentina’s regulated online gambling market. The campaign concluded with the statement: “Remember, if it does not end in .bet.ar, it is illegal. Do not promote it, do not spread it.”

Authorities view the .bet.ar domain as an important indicator that an operator forms part of Argentina’s legal online betting framework. The recent blocking orders, combined with action against promotional activity, reflect a broader enforcement effort aimed at both illegal gambling platforms and the channels used to attract players to them.

LOTBA said it will continue working alongside other government agencies to monitor online gambling activity, pursue unauthorized operators and address risks associated with illegal gambling, particularly those affecting minors.