Prosecutor Alejandro Musso, leading the San Isidro Cybercrime Special Prosecutor's Unit (UFEIC), has ordered the blocking of 110 websites offering unauthorized casino games and bets, and seized 250 million Argentine pesos (US$275,000).
This action is based on information provided by the Cyber Patrol Division of the Argentine Federal Police (PFA).
Prosecutor Musso requested Judge Esteban Rossignoli of San Isidro to block the online platforms under investigation through the National Communications Agency (Enacom). According to La Nación, the judge approved this request, leading to the shutdown of these websites. Judicial sources consulted by La Nación stated that the blocking of 110 websites is unprecedented in Argentina.
In his report to Judge Rossignoli, Prosecutor Musso noted:
The websites did not have any filters to prevent minors from accessing them. They allowed unrestricted gameplay without identifying the users, indicating that the organizers of illegal gambling completely disregard these targets. Also, there is unfair competition between legal sites, which pay taxes, are registered, and create legal employment opportunities, and those that do not comply with these targets.
In the investigation led by Musso and UFEIC Secretary Alejandro Orlandini, the cyber patrol task discovered an Instagram user using hashtags like #casino, #casinovirtual, #juegosonline, #apuestasonline, #casinoonline, and #slots to promote online games, likely without the necessary authorization.
PFA's Cyber Patrol detectives also found other online gambling and betting sites potentially operating outside legal requirements.
After consulting with the Argentine Lottery, Gambling and Casino Association (ALEA), it was confirmed that the 110 websites under investigation lacked the necessary permits or authorization to operate in Argentina, as they were missing the ".bet.ar" extension.
Musso pointed out in his report:
Another issue is the reliability of manipulating opportunities. In physical chance games, such as in casinos, the odds are governed by established laws. However, in the digital world, it entirely depends on the algorithms used in game design. Legitimate companies have international certifications that verify the randomness of digital games. In these illegal casinos, such verification does not exist. The algorithms are managed by criminals eager for more wins. Neither the state, individuals, nor any regulatory body verifies these algorithms, which always ensure "the house wins," clearly harming the gamblers who are now also deceived.
To illustrate the flow of funds in these illegal sites, judicial sources explained to La Nación that one of the gambling companies under investigation has generated revenue of 2.5 billion Argentine pesos (over US$2.7 million) since January.
Prosecutor Musso said:
This measure is not only due to the economic losses caused by the lack of national taxes. Its importance primarily lies in the lack of national control, which fosters the emergence of gambling addiction among minors.
