Traditional operators in the City of Buenos Aires could offer online gaming

In addition, the inclusion of a "clean token" clause in the new online gambling regulations was approved. It prohibits the granting of licenses to people who are subject to a final prosecution or an oral trial for crimes related to corruption, money laundering, drug trafficking or terrorism.

The incorporation of this subsection in the resolution of the City Lottery (Lotba) and in law 538 was a requirement of the forces of Elisa Carrió and Graciela Ocaña in the Legislature to endorse the amendment. Until now, face-to-face gambling companies were excluded from the virtual betting system -the tender was opened in February-, but the Buenos Aires Executive decided to review that criterion due to the impact of the pandemic on the sector and on the collection of Gross Income.

In the midst of a dispute between the Casa Rosada and Larreta over the cutting of federal co-participation funds to the City, the Frente de Todos bloc abstained from voting and harshly criticized the inclusion of the "clean sheet" clause.

Claudia Neira (FDT), a member of the Juan Manuel Olmos space in the City, considered that the "clean file" represents "a flagrant violation of the principle of innocence established by the National Constitution."

Meanwhile, the UCR-Evolución block - an allied of Pro in the Capital - abstained from voting on the project that benefited face-to-face gambling companies, but supported the amendments to law 538, with the incorporation of the "clean tab" .

In parallel, the Legislature passed a law to prevent gambling in the City, which establishes regulations for the gambling sector, among other things. In this case, the representatives of the CC-ARI accompanied the general vote on the initiative, but rejected in particular the chapter on publicity, since Carrió intended to establish a total restriction. That is a historical claim of the CC.

"For us the rule of the prohibition of advertising is in force. That is the difference we have," said legislator Facundo Del Gaiso, another representative of the CC. In contrast, at Pro they believe that advertising cannot be prohibited because it is a central aspect of the virtual gambling business.

Kirchnerism also abstained in that vote. The main opposition bloc appreciated the advances on the issue, but warned that they were not enough. In addition, they agreed with the CC that advertising should be prohibited. "When we talk about gambling, we are talking about health. It must be thought strictly with that look," said Neir

For their part, radicalism and the Socialist Party of Roy Cortina, Larreta's partners in the City, supported the sanction of the law of gambling. Opposition legislators Sergio Abrevaya (GEN) and Eugenio Casielles (Federal Consensus) also accompanied.

"If something feeds gambling, it is online gambling. We should be repealing the law that allows it and not discussing who can participate in the business," said Abrevaya, who voted against the changes to the virtual betting system.

The left rejected the projects and questioned the ruling party for promoting the issue in the midst of the crisis and pandemic.

Changes

The Buenos Aires government decided to move forward with the changes in online gambling regulations, arguing that the outlook is "uncertain" for casinos due to the coronavirus and that there are thousands of workers affected. In addition, the inactivity of the sector had an impact on collection - although in the Executive they relativize it. "They are funds that are allocated to social programs," they allege.

The virtual betting system would start operating before the end of the year. There are already six groups registered in the tender, but now, the face-to-face gambling companies that demanded the lifting of the exclusion will join. It is the Hipódromo de Palermo, which is controlled by Hapsa (72.5% of the company), Federico De Achával, and Casino Club (27.5%), Benedicto; and the Floating Casino, managed by Nortia.