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The Buenos Aires City Lottery (LOTBA) has launched a new cycle of training on unauthorized gambling and the risk of child gambling addiction. Particularly, the initiative focused on celebrities and influencers who had been denounced to the courts for promoting unlicensed online gaming platforms on their social media.
The event took place at a LOTBA center in Buenos Aires and had some celebrities in attendance, including TV host Wanda Nara and painter L-Gante. Both, among others who participated, went to attend as part of the Reparation Agreements backed by the Specialized Prosecutor’s Office for Gambling (FEJA).
Facing the Dangers of Illicit Gambling
Throughout the session, LOTBA professionals provided comprehensive information on the dangers of illegal gambling websites, particularly their accessibility to children. The regulators insisted that the sites operate without oversight, prone to driving users into fraud, a lack of consumer protection, and a high possibility of addiction to gambling.
The training identified child gambling addiction (ludopatía infantil) as its subject of interest. For LOTBA, shutting down access to children is the most pressing regulatory and social concern. By educating influencers, a large percentage of whom have a sizeable youth following, LOTBA seeks to stem the spread of unsafe, illegal material and redirect attention to safe, legal ones.
A Broader Strategy to Combat Illegal Gaming
LOTBA noted that the move is part of a broad package of historic measures in Argentina. The organization has continued to spearhead campaigns to eradicate illegal gambling in Buenos Aires and protect the most vulnerable sectors in society, including children.
The training also included practical recommendations for the influencers. They were provided with tools to recognize harmful behavior, steps to promote responsible gaming, and how to get involved with audiences in ways that discourage access to non-regulated websites.
Secondly, LOTBA underscored its position as the official regulator, highlighting the importance of having a strong legal framework to provide a gambling-friendly environment where gambling can be safe, responsible, and socially sustainable.
Legal Actions and Enforcement
Until today, LOTBA has made significant strides against illegal promotion of gaming. Official data indicate that as many as 23 celebrities and influencers have already been subject to such training, and 93 legal notices (cartas documento) were sent, and 22 legal complaints filed against hidden gambling houses run physically.
The reparation strategy reflects a two-pronged strategy: not just punishing the perpetrators but also training them to enable them to be able to participate constructively in prevention campaigns in the future.
The “Hablar es Ganar” Campaign
Apart from the influencer training program, LOTBA also re-launched its “Hablar es Ganar” (Talking is Winning) campaign. The campaign encourages frank discussion among families, communities, and youth as a core prevention and discouragement approach to underage access to illegal online gambling.
Using common responsibility framing, the campaign aims to empower parents, educators, and influencers to be able to detect risks early and intervene effectively.
A Step Forward to Safer Gaming in Argentina
LOTBA’s training program captures the growing awareness in Argentina of the social risks involved with gambling if not properly regulated. Since social media influencers play an important role in shaping cultural patterns, this program is a step forward in harmonizing communication with legal standards and public health concerns.
The combination of enforcement, education, and awareness campaigns is a sign of a comprehensive effort. As LOTBA further advances those efforts, hopes are high that Buenos Aires will be used as an example for other jurisdictions in the region, leading to a culture of gambling that is not only compliant with law but also safer for generations to come.
Source: YogoNet
