Latin America’s Game-Changer: Influencer Regulations Hit Argentina

What’s going on in Argentina

In Argentina, authorities aren’t just talking — they’re acting. The Cámara Argentina de Salas de Casinos, Bingos y Anexos (CASCBA) has filed a formal criminal complaint against 18 social-media influencers for promoting online gambling platforms without the proper licence. The sites they promoted were operating from domains other than “.bet.ar” — meaning they were unlicensed and arguably illegal.
Influencers with millions of followers were involved, meaning the reach was massive. The complaint states that these influencers used their platforms for direct promotions (links, codes) and helped funnel players to unlicensed sites. The action is justified under Argentina’s penal code — Art. 301 bis, which addresses illegal gambling operations.
Beyond that, regulatory bodies in provinces are stepping up preventive campaigns: blocking thousands of illegal sites, sending legal letters to influencers, and exploring stronger protections for minors exposed via digital channels.

The European precedent you should note

Europe isn’t new to this — here are two key shifts:

• In Denmark, wide-ranging reforms under the “Gaming Package 1” will ban influencer and celebrity promo in gambling ads, set “whistle to whistle” blackout periods around sports broadcasts, and restrict bonus offers, all by Jan 2027.
• The wider EU-level trend: influencer marketing in gambling is under heavy regulatory fire. The European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) helped launch a pledge for responsible influencer marketing in gambling, emphasising transparency, age-checks, and stronger disclosures.

What it means for affiliates in LATAM

So, why does all this matter for you, the affiliate in iGaming?

Influencer-funnel risk is real: If you’re using influencer channels (YouTube, Instagram, TikTok) to drive traffic to gambling offers, and the creator or site isn’t fully compliant/licensed, you could be caught in the regulatory cross-fire. Argentina’s example shows the creeping enforcement.

Compliance will shape deals: Operators targeting LATAM will increasingly favour affiliates who understand local regulations, use legal offers, and stay away from dodgy influencer ties.

Creative strategy must evolve: The days of “big celeb pushes + mariachi traffic” are risky. Messaging must emphasise legality (“licensed site .bet.ar”), safe play, age-checks. Influencer content must be clearly disclosed, aligned with rules.

Diversify channels & geos: If Argentina is tightening, expect Chile, Peru, Mexico to react. Having multiple traffic flows (SEO, content, affiliates, influencers) and not depending solely on unregulated influencer promos becomes a smart hedge.

Education matters: Your audience is also watching this. If players feel an offer is questionable or the platform shady, they’ll bounce. Promoting legal-licensed brands builds trust and long-term value.

Quick affiliate checklist

• Check: Is the operator you promote licensed in the relevant province/region (Argentina) or country? Are the URLs correct (.bet.ar etc.)?
• Audit: Any influencer you work with—are they promoting legally? Do they use proper disclosures (“ad”, “sponsored”)?
• Update creatives: Use compliant messaging, avoid unrealistic earnings claims, no targeting minors, and comply with age restrictions.
• Channel mix: Don’t rely purely on influencer posts. Use SEO, blog content, email newsletters, safe-play messages too.
• Monitor regulation: Latin America is catching up with Europe. Subscribe to local regulatory updates so you’re ahead, not reactive.

Final thought

The message is clear: the European trend of cracking down on influencer-driven gambling promos is now landing in Latin America. Argentina’s recent actions are a wake-up call — for affiliates, operators and creators alike. If you act now, comply early, and build a traffic strategy rooted in legality and trust, you’ll ride the wave rather than get hit by it.