Among the most notable changes are the incorporation of electronic modalities, the elimination of cooperatives as applicants, a reduction in the percentage allocated to prizes, and greater intervention by the Santa Fe Lottery.
Argentina.- The province of Santa Fe approved a new decree that substantially modifies the current regulations for gambling, specifically those of raffle, bingo, and other occasional games. This change originates from a review of previous regulations, dating back to 2015, which in turn had repealed regulations from the '80s. The new decree, numbered 3101, introduces significant adjustments both due to technological advancement and other social and organizational considerations.
One of the main modifications is the incorporation of new game modalities that allow the use of electronic systems for bingos, reflecting technological progress and new forms of participation in these events. According to the approved text, electronic bingos must be certified by a competent body, and organizers are required to ensure the transparency of the draw through digital platforms or specific tools, assuming full responsibility for any controversy related to the drawing process.
Additionally, the new regulation introduces a fundamental change in the profile of the entities that can organize these games. Cooperatives, traditionally associated with schools, firefighters, and police stations, will no longer be able to request authorization to conduct raffles and bingos for charitable purposes. Instead, only civil associations, mutuals, and foundations with legal personality, provided they are domiciled in the province and their main objective is the common good, will be allowed to participate. This adjustment eliminates the exemption from documents and accounting endorsements that previously favored cooperatives.
Another significant change concerns the proportion of the collected funds that must be allocated to prizes. While the previous regulation stipulated that at least 40 percent of the collected funds should be allocated to prizes, now the minimum percentage has been lowered to 35 percent. This modification seeks to adjust the distribution of resources, allowing organizations to have greater margins for covering operational expenses and other purposes.
Decree 3101 also establishes more rigorous control by the Santa Fe Lottery, which can set maximum amounts to be collected and determine the specific conditions for those games that do not require formal authorization, but must comply with the parameters established by the regulation. Furthermore, the Lottery has the authority to disallow certain goods as prizes, beyond the traditionally prohibited items such as cash, precious stones, and properties under construction.
See also: The province of Santa Fe approved the law to prevent problem gambling
Regarding the modality of the draws, the inclusion of real estate through trust is authorized, but with strict regulation on the conditions and requirements for its inclusion. The regulation also eliminates the possibility for organizing entities to offer a voluntary lien on real estate as a guarantee, instead requiring the presentation of a surety bond.
Finally, the decree establishes that any judicial dispute arising from the organization of these games must be resolved in the courts of the city of Santa Fe, where entities requesting authorization for games from other jurisdictions must establish legal domicile. This aspect centralizes legal resolutions, favoring more direct control over processes and disputes in the province.
