Two months ago, Argentina became the first South American country to initiate an outright block against a predictions markets platform when the Buenos Aries City Lottery (LOTBA) pursued action against Polymarket.

In the discussions around the gambling industry in Latin America, Argentina is an interesting case, as while it is a behemoth of a market, gambling regulation is decentralised into local authorities, with each having its own rules and compliance requirements.

But when a fast-moving market like gambling collides with fragmented regulations, do the fundamentals of the sector change at all? And when a new sector emerges like predictions, which has many similarities to gambling, how does a regulator respond?

We sit down with Ezequiel Dominguez, LOTBA Director, who offered an insider’s perspective of the intricacies of Argentina’s provincial regulations and what the industry should know in this complex landscape.

SBC News: What are some of the main urgent issues challenging the licensed gaming sector in Argentina and the city of Buenos Aires?

Ezequiel Dominguez: Today, the main challenge is the growth of illegal offerings in digital environments.

There has been an expansion of unauthorised platforms, offshore sites, the use of social media and influencers to attract users — especially young people — and new models that attempt to present themselves as financial or technological products in order to avoid regulatory controls.

Added to this is the speed at which technology evolves. Regulators must constantly adapt to new payment methods, cryptocurrencies, anonymity mechanisms, and transnational operations.

There is also a cultural challenge: reinforcing the idea that legal gaming is not simply a commercial activity, but one that requires controls, prevention, and traceability to protect users.

At LOTBA, we work on three pillars: strengthening legal and responsible gaming, combating illegal gaming together with the judiciary, and regulatory modernisation to support innovation without losing oversight.

What role does LOTBA play in promoting player protection in the city of Buenos Aires?

Player protection occupies a central place within the regulatory model of the City of Buenos Aires. At LOTBA, we understand that regulation does not only mean granting licenses, but also ensuring conditions of safety, transparency, and oversight for those participating in the activity.

For this reason, the regulated system requires very strict standards regarding identity verification, prevention of underage access, monitoring of risky behavior, self-exclusion tools, deposit and gaming time limits, and active responsible gaming policies.

In addition, there is coordinated work with operators, sports entities, public agencies, and the judiciary to detect and combat illegal offerings operating outside any state control.

The main difference between legal and illegal gaming is precisely user protection. In the regulated market there are rules, supervision, and prevention mechanisms; in the illegal market, players are completely unprotected.

How significant is the threat of prediction markets to the licensed gaming sector?

It is an issue that raises concern because many of these platforms present dynamics very similar to traditionalbetting, although they attempt to position themselves outside gaming regulatory frameworks.

When a person risks money on an uncertain event with the expectation of making a profit, the state has the responsibility to analyse whether that activity should fall under existing regulation.

The discussion is not only conceptual or legal. It also involves issues related to user protection, preventing underage access, identity controls, anti-money laundering measures, and operational transparency.

Furthermore, many of these platforms operate transnationally, using cryptocurrencies or structures that are difficult to supervise, which makes the regulatory task even more complex.

Therefore, the debate should not focus solely on how these platforms define themselves, but on how they actually operate and what risks they may create for users and the regulated ecosystem.

Can prediction markets exist within a regulated gaming framework? Or are they at odds with the rest of the industry as well as regulatory objectives?

Any technological innovation can be discussed within a regulatory framework. The problem arises when certain actors seek to develop activities with characteristics comparable to betting, but without submitting to the same obligations and controls that authorized operators must comply with.

If a platform allows people to risk money on uncertain events with the expectation of profit, it is appropriate to analyse whether it should be subject to the rules applicable to regulated gaming, regardless of the terminology it uses.

From a regulatory perspective, there cannot be a “grey area” where some operators remain outside requirements related to licensing, identity controls, anti-money laundering measures, protection of minors, responsible gaming, and state supervision.

Regulation does not seek to prevent innovation. Its purpose is to ensure that any activity involving risks for users operates under equivalent standards of transparency, oversight, and protection for all market participants.

How close is Latin America to becoming the world’s most important region for regulated betting?

Latin America has already established itself as one of the fastest-growing regions for the regulated gaming industry and has very strong potential for further expansion.

The region combines technological adoption, digital growth, high mobile penetration, and a strong sports culture.

However, the real challenge is not only to grow, but to do so sustainably. The strongest markets will be those capable of balancing innovation, economic development, and effective user protection.

Regulation plays a central role in that balance, and regional cooperation will become increasingly important in the face of a phenomenon that recognises no borders.

What is the most important lesson about gaming policy that you have learned while mediating between state authority and dialogue with the private sector?

The main lesson is that efficient regulation requires permanent dialogue, but also clear rules and an active state presence.

The private sector contributes innovation, technology, and investment. The State guarantees oversight, transparency, and user protection.

The balance point is essential: the goal is not only market growth, but also sustainability and legitimacy. User trust is the central asset of every regulated system.

How does the average player profile in Buenos Aires City look like, and what would you advise newcomers to do in order to appease it?

The vast majority of users participate in gaming in a recreational and responsible manner, understanding the activity as entertainment.

The digital environment requires constant work on prevention and awareness, especially among young people exposed to gaming-related content on social media and through influencers.

It is essential to distinguish legal gaming from illegal gaming. In Argentina, a clear reference for identifying authorised operators is the “.bet.ar” domain, which helps distinguish the regulated environment from unauthorised operators.

The main advice is to always play on legal platforms, establish time and spending limits, avoid gaming under emotional or financial pressure, and use self-exclusion tools whenever necessary.

The regulator’s goal is to protect users and promote a safe and responsible gaming environment.

What are the national odds in favour of Argentina bringing the World Cup home?

In football, it is impossible to speak about exact probabilities because many variables are constantly changing.

Argentina always enters the World Cup with expectations of playing a leading role. There is a strong football foundation, a highly competitive identity, and a generation that has proven itself capable of performing at the highest level.

And personally — as well as in the feelings shared by Argentinians — there is a very strong emotional connection with the national team, the jersey, and Lionel Messi, who represents a unique era in Argentine football.

As Argentinians, our hearts and passion are invested in the country and in the hope of seeing the national team once again at the top.

Beyond any analysis, Argentina always competes with the expectation of being a contender.

What can visitors expect from you at SBC Summit Americas 2026, and what do you expect from SBC Summit Americas 2026?

Visitors can expect insights drawn from the regulatory experience of the City of Buenos Aires, focused on the challenges of illegal gaming, technological evolution, and user protection.

They can also expect a practical perspective on how regulation is developed in a dynamic and global environment.

I expect a serious space for exchange, regional cooperation, and debate about the industry’s shared challenges. The ultimate goal is always the same: strengthening system integrity, protecting users, and promoting legal, transparent, and sustainable markets.

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Ezequiel Dominguez is one of many high profile gambling industry figures who will be speaking at the SBC Summit Americas, taking place between 9-11 June 2026 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

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