What is Argentina’s proposed law on crypto payments and online gambling?

Argentina has introduced a bill that would prohibit banks, payment companies and crypto service providers from supporting unauthorised online gambling platforms. The proposal aims to reduce gambling addiction and strengthen oversight of digital betting activities.

Why is Argentina targeting crypto payments connected to gambling?

Authorities argue that restricting payment channels can make it more difficult for unauthorised gambling operators to reach users. The government views payment infrastructure, including crypto networks, as a key part of enforcing gambling regulations.

Could crypto exchanges be forced to block gambling-related transactions?

Yes. Under the proposal, authorities could gain the power to require crypto intermediaries to identify and restrict transfers linked to unauthorised gambling wallets or merchant accounts. The exact compliance requirements would depend on the final version of the legislation.

What does the bill say about banks and payment providers?

The legislation would apply broadly to financial institutions, payment service providers and crypto firms. All would be prohibited from facilitating transactions involving unauthorised gambling operators.

How does this affect users of offshore gambling platforms?

If the bill becomes law, users could face greater difficulty funding offshore betting sites through local banking services, payment processors or cryptocurrency platforms operating in Argentina. Access to payment rails could become significantly more restricted.

Why is Polymarket mentioned in the proposal's context?

Argentina previously blocked access to Polymarket following a court order. The action reflects growing scrutiny of prediction markets, which some regulators view as a form of unlicensed gambling.

What are prediction markets and why are regulators concerned?

Prediction markets allow users to trade on the outcomes of future events such as elections, sports results or economic developments. Regulators in some countries argue that these products resemble gambling when offered without proper authorisation.

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Argentina targets crypto payments to illegal gambling sites

Q: How would the proposed law affect cryptocurrency companies?

The bill would prevent crypto exchanges, payment providers and other virtual asset service providers from offering services to unlicensed gambling operators. Companies may be required to monitor and block transactions linked to unauthorised betting platforms.

Written by Liezl GambePublished May. 29 2026Last Updated May. 29 2026

Argentina’s government has introduced legislation that would restrict banks, payment companies and cryptocurrency service providers from facilitating transactions linked to unauthorised online gambling platforms.

The proposed Bill for the Prevention of Gambling and Regulation of Online Gambling was submitted to Congress as part of a broader effort to address gambling addiction through stricter controls on payments, advertising and access to betting services.

Under the proposal, financial institutions, payment service providers and virtual asset companies would be prohibited from offering services to unlicensed gambling operators.

“It establishes that financial entities, providers of payment services or virtual assets (cryptocurrencies) are prohibited from offering their services to unauthorised gambling operators,”

The Ministry of Health said in its announcement.

The legislation would give authorities the power to block transactions connected to unauthorised betting platforms, potentially requiring crypto exchanges and fiat on-ramp providers to identify and restrict transfers linked to gambling-related wallets and merchant activity.

The bill would also broaden enforcement measures by prohibiting advertising for unauthorised gambling services and imposing penalties on platforms that promote unlicensed operators without verifying their regulatory status.

The proposal follows earlier regulatory action against prediction market platform Polymarket, which was blocked in Argentina after a court order, reflecting a growing international trend of treating certain event-based trading products as forms of unlicensed gambling.