Online Casino Ban May Come to Argentina
The Argentinean government is in the process of attempting to install a ban against online gambling. The stated reasoning is that only legal channels of wagering, which allow tax collection by the government, are acceptable.
This does seem to put the solution at odds with the problem. If tax revenues are the desired effect of the Argentine legislation, then regulation would be a more functional choice of policy, as a ban produces no income and raises costs needed for enforcement.
Two bills have already been presented to the country for consideration. First, a measure making all forms of online gambling illegal was proposed, although it is not clear if "online gambling" has been defined.
Just days later, a second bill was introduced, suggesting penalties for Internet Service Providers that allow Internet casinos and gaming sites to be accessed by citizens. This bill specifies online poker, online bingo, sports wagering, and casino gambling as the forbidden games.
If enacted, this law would result in punishments ranging from small fines to prison terms, depending on the size of the offense.
Just as the dysfunctional UIGEA has put American banks and credit card companies in the untenable position of law enforcement, so this Argentinian bill would force Internet providers to decide which sites to block, with the responsibility of not slipping up and missing one.
Argentina would do better to observe the U.S. struggles with the UIGEA, and accept proper regulation of online casinos as the best means to boost revenue and simultaneously protect citizens.
