Buenos Aires senator proposes 'Lula Law' to ban most online gambling in the province

Buenos Aires Senator Federico Fagioli has introduced a bill, nicknamed the "Lula Law", that would prohibit most forms of online gambling across Buenos Aires Province. The proposal draws its inspiration from Brazil's Provisional Measure No. 1,394/2026, issued by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on September 25, which outlaws fixed-odds betting in that country.

According to the provincial legislative chamber, the bill would repeal Chapter VIII of Provincial Law No. 15,079, which currently regulates online gambling, and turn it into a ban. It would cover online slots, roulette, blackjack, poker and other games in which players risk money for the chance of winning money or another prize. Only lotteries, quinielas and draws would remain authorised.

Fagioli argued that digital platforms have changed the nature of games of chance. In his words, the ability to bet from any internet-connected device has removed many of the material, spatial and temporal barriers that once separated people from physical gambling venues. He added that the growth of these services creates new challenges for the control and prevention tools available to the provincial government.

If approved, the legislation would require licensed operators to stop accepting new deposits and fund transfers for gambling, and to block new gaming sessions once the law takes effect. Online gambling advertising, promotions, bonuses and sponsorships would be banned in the province, including direct and indirect online advertising for betting. Operators would also have to refund the full balance of every player account and file individual reports with the Provincial Institute of Lotteries and Casinos, the provincial gambling authority. These would detail outstanding prizes, pending bets and account balances. The regulator would be required to identify and block websites, apps, social media profiles and other content that offers or facilitates online gambling.

The proposal competes with a separate bill from legislators Facundo Tignanelli and Micaela Olivetto, which aims to tighten rules and strengthen preventive measures without banning the activity. Tignanelli has reportedly said he supports a ban in principle but believes it would need national-level legislation. The two initiatives reflect a split in the province over whether online gambling should continue. Fagioli's bill must pass through the provincial legislative process before any of its measures could be applied.