Unlawful Gambling Syndicate Dismantled in Buenos Aires, Primarily Targeting Minors Through WhatsApp Communication
Last week, an underground network enticing teenagers to online gambling got busted in Buenos Aires. This crackdown was a joint effort between the City Lottery (LOTBA), the Specialized Gambling Enforcement Agency (FEJA), and Buenos Aires police, focusing mainly on curbing child gambling addiction.
The Takedown
The chaos kicked off with complaints from parents, teachers, and even students about WhatsApp groups being used to lure underage kids to gamble, even within schools. With these reports, FEJA activated the City Police's Technological Investigations Division, which identified different entry points of the illicit network.
Warrens were executed across several neighborhoods: in Buenos Aires, Vicente Lรณpez, and Chacabuco (province of Buenos Aires). The police and the Public Ministry confiscated cell phones, computers, documents, and other digital evidence proving the existence of secret bets aimed at minors under 18 years old. Three individuals were charged based on Article 301 bis of the Argentine Criminal Code, which penalizes the exploitation of gambling without official authorization.
Not the First Time
In 2024, the very same team launched the "Operativo Juego Limpio." A total of 30 searches took place in homes and offices in the capital and province, blocking over 3,000 sites, and notifying 15 digital influencers promoting illegal bets. During that event, substantial sums of cash and cryptocurrencies, along with weapons and restrictions on four detainees, were confiscated. One fugitive was identified abroad.
Jorge Macri, then Mayor of the City, dubbed child gambling addiction as a "silent new pandemic," emphasizing the urgency to tackle this type of digital harm against children, as stated by the government's official communication channel.
Since then, several measures have been implemented:
- Online blocks: already exceeding 2,390 illegal gambling sites and 72 platforms taken down just in 2025.
- Social networks and influencers: around 2,000 profiles and ads were shut down; at least 100 influencers are under investigation, with 24 legal letters sent during April alone.
- School environments: nearly 1,600 connections were barred on the BA WiFi network, preventing access to illicit sites in schools and public spaces within the capital.
- Judicial actions and on-site: 75 complaints were filed with FEJA; 19 cases already include on-site, unlicensed games.
The Importance of Prevention
The internet provides effortless avenues for minors to encounter gambling. WhatsApp, direct channels, and in-group offers make these clandestine networks hard to spot yet effective. The risk isn't just gambling; it also involves addiction, learning disruptions, and financial burdens on families.
Furthermore, when children see influencers promoting bets as ordinary or entertaining, it normalizes such behavior, creating an even more harmful cycle.
Current Policies
At present, only sites with the ".bet.ar" domain and LOTBA regulation are authorized to operate online in Buenos Aires. These undergo identity checks, verify the user's age, and adhere to established security guidelines.
The city has set a limit of 11 licensed operators and stopped issuing new licenses to limit sector growth.
Beyond blocks and constraints, prevention education is also a priority. 55 workshops have been held in schools, reaching over 6,000 young people so far.
The Next Steps
Authorities show no signs of slowing down. Upcoming actions include:
- Increased monitoring: vigilance of domains and social networks to prevent the rebirth of illegal platforms.
- School actions: escalating awareness among students, teachers, and families about the hazards of online gaming.
- Public campaigns: responsible gaming influencers will be invited to join educational campaigns.
- Legislative support: a bill is pending in the Buenos Aires Legislature to create a specific law on child gambling addiction.
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- Technology played a crucial role in the recent takedown of an underground network enticing teenagers to online gambling, as the City Police's Technological Investigations Division identified different entry points of the illicit network.
- In addition to focusing on crime and justice, the city is also prioritizing education and self-development, having held 55 workshops in schools to educate students about the risks of online gambling and reaching over 6,000 young people so far.
- Despite the crackdown on illegal gambling, general news continues to report on the expansion of the gaming sector in Latin America, such as strategic moves by visionary leaders and market intelligence discussions about its future growth.
