Buenos Aires lawmaker calls for details on youth gambling prevention plan

(AsiaGameHub) –   Buenos Aires provincial deputy Valentín Miranda has called on the government of Axel Kicillof to provide further details about the implementation of the Comprehensive Plan to Address Problem Gambling Among Adolescents.

Miranda sought clarification on the current status of the program, who is overseeing it, and how frequently the involved officials meet, following the state’s launch in July 2024 of an initiative aimed at preventing and addressing online gambling among young people.

A provincial representative explained that the plan brought together seven provincial ministries and institutions to collaboratively develop systematic strategies related to healthcare, education, and enforcement concerning youth engagement in online gambling, driven by a rising trend in adolescent participation.

Miranda noted that while there has been strong intergovernmental cooperation, there remains a significant lack of data nearly two years after the initiative began, making it difficult to assess its success or effectiveness. He requested information on surveys, research, public policy measures, school-based awareness campaigns, and teacher training programs focused on gambling-related issues affecting students.

He also asked for details regarding support services available to adolescents struggling with gambling addiction, including the number of youths who have accessed help and the role of families in prevention and recovery efforts.

Valentín Miranda stated:

Our intention is purely collaborative. We recognize that there was agreement on the need to combat adolescent gambling addiction, so we are ready to assist in resolving this issue. To that end, we expect a timely response from the executive branch to our inquiries.

When the prevention plan was first announced, Government Minister Carlos Bianco explained that it had been developed under instructions from Governor Kicillof to protect teenagers and enhance monitoring of gambling activities.

Health authorities at the time released findings from a June 2024 survey of 434 secondary school students, which revealed that 34% had engaged in online gambling at least once.