Argentina, similar to other countries in the region, took a decisive step against illegal gambling.
Earlier this week, a judge ordered internet service providers in the province of Misiones to discontinue access to more than 100 illegal gambling websites.
Illegal gambling is dangerous to adults and children
Recognized as a significant hit against the illegal gambling sector, the latest action follows a request filed by the Instituto Provincial de Lotería y Casinos (IPLyC), the Misiones Lottery, from earlier this month.
In its request, IPLyC warned that illegal gambling websites affect not only adults in Misiones but may also be accessed by children.
As such, those illegal gambling websites create significant risks for harm and problem gambling.
In its request, the Lottery warned about those risks associated with illegal gambling.
"Illegal gambling is a scourge with extremely serious consequences for mental health, especially for adolescents and children. In this context, it is important to mention that online gambling sites operating in the province of Misiones are required to include sufficient and necessary restrictions to prevent access by minors as an essential requirement for their authorization," a translated press release reveals.
Furthermore, the Lottery stressed that access to illegal gambling via the internet results in risks among children and vulnerable individuals, who are likely to later engage in unlawful activities.
Order issued to block access to 112 illegal gambling websites to protect Misiones residents
In light of the request, Judge Martín López signed an order, demanding that internet service providers in the province of Misiones immediately block access to 112 illegal gambling websites.
The Judge's order is in line with Article 57 of Law 27.078.
Héctor Rojas Decut, IPLyC's President, commented: "This is another step we are taking as a Lottery to implement concrete actions to protect our youth, their families, and all Misiones residents from the economic and emotional consequences generated by illegal gambling."
The request by the Misiones Lottery complements the efforts of local authorities against unlawful gambling.
