New laws look set to ban online gaming sites
The Argentinean government has revealed legistlation that could potentially see online casinos banned from the South American country.
The legislation, which if passed into law would make online casinos who offer online slots, online roulette and online blackjack, illegal. The legistlation is being passed in an attempt to curb the growth of unregulated online gaming sites like online casinos in the country.
The law would encourage internet providers in Argentina to stop visitors visiting online casinos by blocking the IP addresses of sites deemed to be illegal. The government have suggested fines and prison sentences for those disobeying the new law for visiting online casinos.
Meanwhile, last week an online casino in the Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina, was closed down by local authorities in anticipation of the new laws.
The proposed banning of online gambling sites and online casinos has seen verbal protests from online gamers in the country. Many have pointed out that the banning online casinos was, up until 2006, used in Italy and only served to increase the growth of illegal online gaming and online casino sites.
They also point out that a similar law in North America, placing the responsibility of tracking down illegal online casino users in the hands of banks and credit card companies, has been just as unsuccessful. Opponents of the bill state that proper regulation of online casinos and internet games such as slots would allow the goverment to recieve tax revenue from the online casino sites as well as giving them the opportunity to regulate the online casino and gaming industry.