How to Start an Online Casino in Argentina: From Legal Setup to Launch

Argentina has successfully legislated the national iGaming industry, regulating virtually all forms of online gambling and games of chance. This comprehensive approach has positioned the country as one of Latin America's strongest and most distinguished iGaming markets.

TL;DR

• Each province sets its own rules: Argentina does not have a unified national iGaming law. Instead, each of the 23 provinces and the City of Buenos Aires regulates online gambling independently.
• Local licences are required: A separate licence must be obtained in each province where services will be offered.
• Tax obligations depend on legal status: Licensed operators are subject to national taxes such as VAT and corporate income tax, along with a sector-specific tax ranging from 2.5% to 15%, based on registration status and investment levels.
• Payment systems must reflect local preferences: Methods like Rapipago, Pago Fácil, and debit cards are widely used. Since April 2025, relaxed currency controls have simplified transactions for both players and companies.
• Supplier certification is mandatory in most cases: Provinces typically require platform and game certification from testing labs such as GLI or BMM. Some jurisdictions also require suppliers to register with the local regulator.
• Advertising is restricted to licensed jurisdictions: Marketing activities must remain within the geographical scope of the obtained licence. Affiliate marketing offers a compliant way to expand visibility while respecting local boundaries.

Overview of the Online Gambling Market in Argentina 

Argentina’s online casino market brought in around 0.45 billion USD in 2023, and with total casino gaming revenue expected to hit 4.26 billion USD by 2029, the industry is clearly on a strong upward path. The perception of the iGaming industry is changing for the better. The fact that sports bookmakers sponsor many football clubs helps improve the industry’s image and promote growth. Other relevant factors that help this growth: 

• The three largest racecourses in Latin America are located in Argentina, showing that a sports betting culture already exists
• 15 out of 23 Argentinian provinces already have regulations, and the other 8 are working on regulating their iGaming market
• The population shares a unique passion for football

A Culture of Betting: From Horse Racing to Football

Horse racing has long been a beloved part of Argentine culture, with betting deeply woven into its tradition. Over the years, off-track wagering – whether through lottery outlets or by phone – became increasingly popular across different provinces, reflecting the strong enthusiasm of local bettors.

On the other hand, in addition to the tradition of horse racing, most of the population has a passion for football. The main national league, the Argentine Primera Divisón, is one of the most popular leagues in Latin America (LatAm) and the rest of the world. One of the league’s biggest events is the Superclásico – the classic rivalry match between Boca Juniors and River Plate, Argentina’s two most famous football clubs. This match always draws massive attention in the country and is widely covered by international media. 

A Century of Gambling in Argentina

Gambling has been part of life in Argentina for more than 100 years. The iconic Tigre Club, located near Buenos Aires, first opened as a social club in 1912, and later became home to the country’s first casino, which began operating there in 1927. The casino shut down in 1933 due to changes in gambling laws, but by then, it had already kicked off what would become a much bigger industry. 

Today, there are about 170+ casinos across the country. Many of them have expanded beyond gambling – they host shows, serve food, and double as entertainment venues. Over the years, Argentina’s generally open approach to gambling has helped the industry grow and made it an attractive place for international iGaming companies looking to enter the market legally.

More and more casinos are trying to become part of this highly profitable market. The fact that the country is not regulated uniformly, but each province has its own regulations, causes some confusion for operators and players. We explain below how online casinos and bookmakers are regulated in Argentina.

The Legality of Online Casino Gaming and Sports Betting

Unlike other LatAm iGaming markets, Argentina opted for a decentralised model in its regulatory approach to gambling activity. Instead of federal government control, the nationalised industry allowed its provinces to decide on the most appropriate rules. As a result, the legal status of gambling varies from province to province.

On 31 December 2020, Resolution 795/2020 was published in the Official Gazette of the City of Buenos Aires to regulate the licensing of betting shops and online casinos and, at the same time, to open the application process for obtaining licences. 

As previously noted, iGaming in Argentina is regulated at the provincial level. Each of the country’s 24 jurisdictions – 23 provinces and the City of Buenos Aires – has the authority to establish its own laws. As of 2025, more than 15 of them have already implemented specific regulations for online gambling.

The table below offers a quick reference on iGaming regulation in Argentina’s provinces, with comments and examples where online gambling is currently allowed or regulated. Because provincial laws change often, please verify the latest status with official sources before making any decisions.

The legal framework regulating iGaming in Argentina provides different possibilities for operators wishing to offer their services in the country. Operators can:

• Establish themselves in the country to operate from there and accept tax regulations
• Operate from offshore, but still be subject to indirect taxes in Argentina, especially if targeting local players or processing payments through local systems
• Offer services without a licence, which is considered illegal under Argentine criminal law; however, such activity may still trigger tax obligations, particularly through local payment intermediaries

Online Gambling Taxes in Argentina

Operators offering online gambling services in Argentina should distinguish between national, provincial, and municipal taxes. 

Companies, regardless of their category, have to pay at the national level:

• VAT – 21%
• Each Argentine province sets its own tax rate on Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) for licensed online gambling operators. For example, in Córdoba, the GGR tax is 10%. Provincial GGR taxes are charged on top of any federal taxes and local fees that may apply.
• Corporate income in Argentina is taxed progressively, with rates ranging from 25% to 35%, depending on the company’s annual earnings. Most licensed iGaming operators fall into the top bracket of 35%. In addition, a 7% withholding tax applies to dividend distributions. Companies are taxed on their worldwide income, but foreign tax credits may apply for income earned abroad.
• An additional indirect tax applies specifically to online gambling, as established by Decree No. 293/2022. The tax is managed through the RCOSA registry and applies to both domestic and foreign operators, with rates ranging from 2.5% to 15% depending on their legal status, registration, and level of investment in Argentina.

Taxes for Operators Based in Argentina

• Companies registered before 1 January 2021 that have invested at least 1,600,000 euros in the country, employed a minimum of 20 people (30 if registered after 2 June 2022) and increased their payroll by 20%, will pay a tax rate of 2.5%.
• Registered licensed companies that do not meet the above requirements will pay 5%.
• If operators have a licence but are not registered with the RCOSA, they will be taxed at 7.5%.

Taxes for Operators Outside Argentina

• 10% for companies that are not located in Argentina but are incorporated in the RCOSA.
• 15% for companies that are not incorporated in the RCOSA; or are located in low or no tax jurisdictions, or in jurisdictions without exchange of information agreements in force with Argentina.

This regulation reflects the government's positive stance towards the growth and development of the iGaming market. It is beneficial to government revenue and significantly reduces the outflow of money from the country, combating illegal gambling activities.

Popular Payment Methods in Argentinian Online Casinos

For years, payment strategy in Argentina was inseparable from the country’s tight capital controls. Moving funds across borders, repatriating profits, or settling supplier invoices from abroad often meant navigating a highly restricted regime. This changed in April 2025 with the repeal of key currency regulations under Decree No. 269/2025 and Central Bank Communication ‘A’ 8226. 

As a result, the gap between official and parallel exchange rates has narrowed, leading to more stability and predictability in the local financial system. For the local population, this means fewer opportunities for speculative gains on currency fluctuations and, overall, a shift toward more conventional and regulated ways to manage funds.

However, this regulatory shift, while meaningful, does not flatten the complexity of the local payment landscape. Argentina’s financial system is unique in Latin America, shaped by chronic inflation, parallel exchange rates, and a long-standing distrust of traditional banking. As a result, the average player tends to favour solutions that offer speed, autonomy, and local familiarity. For iGaming operators, success hinges on integrating into this behavioural and cultural fabric.

The most popular payment methods among players in Argentina are:

Most of these payment methods are available in the SOFTSWISS Payment Methods Aggregator. As part of its inclusive financial infrastructure, as well as the PayULatam system, payments made by Paysafecard, Neteller, Skrill and Ukash will be very popular and can be considered imperative by online casino players.

Operators transacting directly in Argentinian pesos will have some advantages, as there will be no exchange step in the middle of the transaction.

Cryptocurrency Support

The significant number of Bitcoin users in Argentina is encouraging. This trend is linked to the fluctuating conversion rate of the Argentinian peso. Therefore, integrating Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies would significantly increase the inflow of players to a casino or gambling operator.

SOFTSWISS offers a complete solution for all cryptocurrency transactions through CryptoProcessing by CoinsPaid, which is available in all company solutions.

Advertising and Marketing Rules for iGaming in Argentina

In Argentina, rules around iGaming advertising are set at the provincial level. Each of the 23 provinces – along with the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires (CABA) – decides how and where gambling services can be promoted. A licence in one province doesn’t give permission to advertise in another, so campaigns must stay within the licensed territory.

Operators approved by a local regulator and registered at the national level can also apply for a .bet.ar domain. This domain brings added credibility but also comes with stricter requirements around ad content, placement, and messaging. On the upside, licensed operators often gain access to official ad platforms like Google Ads, and they’re eligible for partnerships with local sports clubs, which is a common brand-building strategy in the market.

That said, all marketing must meet local standards. This includes responsible gambling disclaimers, proper age-gating, and respecting tone and timing rules that may vary by province.

Reaching Players Effectively

With so many local variations, affiliate marketing has become a go-to approach. Affiliates can help reach players in their own provinces, staying compliant while extending a brand’s reach.

To run an affiliate programme in Argentina, operators need tools that can:

• Track traffic and conversions reliably
• Handle flexible commission models
• Process affiliate payouts in ARS or trusted wallets

Local Knowledge Matters

Knowing the law is one thing – understanding the culture is another. What works in Buenos Aires might not resonate in Mendoza or Salta. Teams that include local marketers or customer service reps often gain an edge when it comes to tone, timing, and platform choice. Whether it’s football sponsorships, influencer campaigns, or in-app placements, having local insight helps avoid missteps and build real player trust.

What You Need to Launch an Online Casino in Argentina

Getting started in Argentina’s iGaming market means making sure your tech stack does two things well: it needs to deliver a solid user experience, and it has to meet local regulatory requirements. Here’s what that usually involves:

• A reliable casino platform with built-in support for Spanish, ARS currency, and localised content tailored to Argentinian users
• A game aggregator that connects you with certified content providers whose games meet local standards
• A payment system that includes local options like Rapipago, Pago Fácil, and domestic bank cards – essential for reaching a broad player base
• KYC and AML tools built into your platform, capable of verifying local ID documents and following FATF-aligned compliance standards

Certification: What Needs to Be Approved?

Most provinces in Argentina require that your games and platform are tested by an independent lab before going live. The most commonly accepted certification providers include:

• GLI (Gaming Laboratories International)
• BMM Testlabs – already approved by LOTBA in Buenos Aires
• eCOGRA – accepted in some cases, depending on the jurisdiction

In some provinces, like Buenos Aires or Mendoza, those labs may need to be registered locally or go through an additional approval process. It’s a detail worth checking early to avoid delays.

Hosting & Data Integrations

Argentina doesn't have a nationwide requirement for local hosting of iGaming platforms. However, some provinces may impose specific conditions, such as requiring a mirror server or real-time API connection to the regulator’s monitoring system – for example, LOTBA in the City of Buenos Aires or IPLyC in Misiones.

Even when local hosting is not required, operators must ensure regulators have secure, real-time access to data, particularly for compliance monitoring and tax reporting. It’s important to check the technical integration expectations of the specific province where you are applying for a licence.

Choosing a Casino Software Provider for Argentina

Operators in Argentina are responsible for ensuring that any third-party providers they work with – such as platform vendors, game suppliers, or PSPs – meet local regulatory standards.

While B2B vendors typically do not need to hold a full iGaming licence, some jurisdictions (like Buenos Aires) require them to be registered as approved suppliers before they can support licensed operators. Working with unregistered or non-compliant vendors can lead to licensing delays, certification issues, or fines.

To stay on track, operators should request:

• Certification from GLI, BMM, or eCOGRA
• API documentation
• Proof of AML/KYC compliance and secure data handling

Key Considerations When Selecting a Casino Platform Provider

Importantly, for those considering entry into the Argentinian market, it is imperative to seek out a software platform provider that possesses a deep understanding of the Argentinian market, including its players, behaviours, and preferences. The provider must consider the following factors:

• In Argentina, the most popular online casino games include slots with ancient culture themes, live dealer blackjack, French roulette with one or two zeros, and Texas Hold'em poker.
• Free game demos are an essential attraction for Argentinian players who like to try before they pay.
• Welcome bonuses should have a low minimum deposit to be accessible to more players and a low wager to make it easier to claim. 
• Providing more bonuses and offers in addition to the welcome bonus is a highly valued feature for Argentinian players.
• Finally, and of utmost importance, are the payment methods. While credit and debit cards will be most in demand, platforms such as Rapipago and Pago Fácil should also be available for players who wish to deposit cash. 

When looking for a compliant software company to partner with to provide online gambling and casino gaming services, it is not advisable to be guided by cost alone and choose the cheapest option. 

iGaming is a demanding industry in many aspects – technological, design, legal, management, etc. The best thing is to choose an option that offers the most security and confidence. Even if costs are higher, they help avoid some of the pitfalls of launching with a casino script or bootleg software.

With all these factors successfully considered, you will be one step closer to making the right decisions when setting up an online casino in Argentina and selecting the right platform provider.