Another nation has moved to restrict citizens access to online gaming. Argentina has been added to the list of countries seeking to ban online gambling but at the very least it appears the Argentian proposals are aimed at eventual regulation and not an outright ban. However, the extremist measure to ban first and legislate regulations after is both harsh and contrary to keeping markets open and functioning, which would seem a reasonable goal for any government in these financially questionable times.
This is the second legislative proposal presented in Argentina aimed at disrupting the activities of online gaming companies, this proposal in the province of Santa Fe follows the similar move last week in Buenos Aires.
The latest bill includes penalties for local companies that do not block internet sites providing games of chance for money. Once again a government puts the burden of regulation onto private companies, just as the United States attempted to ban online gaming through banking regulations.
Fortunately, as mentioned, there are some sane voices in the Argentian debate:
“We understand that gambling is a part of social behaviour and increasingly popular online, but the fact that citizens in our province have access to this method of gambling does not mean that the State should refrain from exercising control over it."
The spokesman added that it was the responsibility of the state to guarantee that games are offered "only via legal channels" in order to be able to collect taxes for subsequent investment in social programs.
