The Córdoba provincial government has announced that online gambling will soon be available in the region. The debut of online gambling is set to take place 48 hours after the November 19 presidential runoff election between Javier Milei and Sergio Massa.
The launch will begin on November 21 and continue for 45 days until January 5th of the following year, during which time online gambling platforms will operate in a demo format. After the demo period, true wagering will be permitted.
Despite 8 pre-licensing deals being awarded, only 4 online wagering platforms will officially debut. The Córdoba Lottery released a statement describing the steps as “the only legal means of capturing and receiving bets virtually in the province of Córdoba,” addressing the controversy surrounding online gambling in the region’s capital.
The primary goal of the demo period is to increase public awareness of safe gaming and responsible gaming policies to combat illegal gambling activities.
There have been attempts by a councilor named Juan Pablo Quinteros to block online gambling in the capital city. The councilor’s arguments were grounded in a rule that bans gambling within a 20-kilometer radius of the central square of San Martin in Córdoba.
Online wagering will only be allowed within the borders of the province of Córdoba, and licenses for online gambling will only be granted to 4 firms: B-Play, Betsson, Jugadon, and PlayCet. These licenses are valid for 15 years and cannot be renewed.
Betsson has formed an alliance with Casino de Victoria in Argentina, while Concesionaria de Entretenimiento y Turismo (CET) has partnered with sports wagering operator Daruma Sam from Paraguay. Additionally, Buenos Aires-based slots operator Boldt has partnered with SG Digital (B-Play), and Jugadon, an online casino brand, will be managed by a group that operates racing tracks, arcades, and slot machines in San Louis province.