Argentina: Buenos Aires paves the way for sportsbooks

In this universe appear virtual slots, roulette games, all type of card games (Poker, Black Jack, Baccarat) and other games of chance and draws with jackpots including sportsbooks. According to the Constitution of Buenos Aires: "The City regulates, administrates and operates games of chance, skill and mutuel betting, not admitting privatization or tender process except distribution agencies and retail, allocated to social development and assistance." Legislators who voted in favor (34 of 60) described the following advantages of the new system: a) illegal sportsbooks will be eradicated, b) the City could collect between $350 and $500 million and c), 3500 employments will be created. It also plans the free opening of personal and non-transferable accounts where to deposit credit to play and eventual winning funds, to be depositated on credit and debit cards. Bets would not be permitted from counts associated to plans or assistance help and the use of foreign money will also be banned.

Representative Cristian Bauab (Vamos Juntos party) remarked that the system will require the competition of at least three operating agencies, which will have to exhibit "financial solvency, technical capacity and technological equipment. Under-aged, agency personnel and their families, as well as sporting men will not be allowed to bet."

This frame enables us to evaluate the "advantages" and "disadvantages" of the bets, due to the impact that the gaming addiction causes to society. Despite the fact of showing the charitable causes of the collection and the new employment it generates, a very critic opinion headed by the Catholic Church, alert us, pointing that bettors in need will have an easy access, thanks to the new technologies and the gaming bank use.