In December 2024, IVISA, the Empresa Impresora Internacional de Valores S.A.I. y C., voiced its frustration over the lack of forward movement concerning the online gambling regulations in San Juan. A full year has passed since the Online Gambling Regulation Law was approved, yet implementing regulations remain absent. This ongoing delay is causing economic strain and uncertainty, affecting both IVISA and the provincial government.
Claudio Ronzoni, IVISA’s commercial director, highlighted the repercussions of regulatory inaction in an interview with Diario Cuyo. The absence of a clear regulatory framework undermines legal certainty and results in significant economic losses for the province. He noted, “It’s not just about IVISA. The entire province is missing out on potential revenue, which, if harnessed, could have fiscal and social benefits.”
The issue at hand extends beyond immediate financial losses. In 2019, IVISA entered into an exclusive agreement with the Province of San Juan, brokered through Caja de Acción Social (CAS), to manage all gambling activities until 2039. This agreement covers both traditional and online forms of gambling. However, despite the passage of Law 2724-P, which governs online gaming, no formal regulations have been established. This leaves IVISA concerned about future compliance and the potential for their exclusivity rights to be disregarded in favor of new regulations.
“This regulatory vacuum creates an environment of uncertainty. We secured exclusivity years ago, yet we now face the risk of our contract being overlooked once the licenses are issued,” Ronzoni explained. “Publicizing this situation is critical; we aim to avoid reaching a point where our contract might be overlooked, requiring legal intervention.”
Key among the contentious points is the stipulation within Law 2724-P that restricts online gambling operations to a maximum of five licenses, to be awarded through a public tender. These licenses are valid for ten years, with an optional extension of five years. Such conditions conflict with IVISA’s existing contract, which assures them exclusivity. The prospect of competing in a public bidding process is contrary to their agreement, and the absence of clear regulations leaves these issues unresolved.
Adding complexity, the inherent nature of online gambling—its borderless reach facilitated by the internet—poses jurisdictional challenges. While IVISA’s rights are tied to a specific geographic area, online platforms naturally transcend these boundaries, complicating regulatory oversight.
Economic considerations further compound the urgency for regulation. Ronzoni estimated that San Juan’s online gambling market generates approximately ARS 600 million (USD 413,000) monthly. Under the legal framework, 10% of this revenue, or roughly ARS 60 million, should flow directly to the province via CAS. “Without regulation, these funds are vanishing from the province’s coffers,” Ronzoni stressed. “Each unregulated year equates to a year of lost revenue, which could aid public services.”
He drew a comparison with Mendoza, another province where IVISA operates. In Mendoza, the online gambling sector reportedly produces monthly revenues of ARS 1.8 billion, which is effectively allocated among government resources, operators, and player winnings.
Beyond economic concerns, IVISA warned of the social risks posed by regulatory delays. Without formal oversight, the online gambling market is vulnerable to illegal operators who may neglect vital safeguards like age verification, spending controls, and responsible gambling practices.
“We are committed to promoting responsible gambling,” Ronzoni stated. “It is not in our interest to foster problem gambling. Online platforms have robust tools to manage this, but without regulation, we lack the authority to implement them effectively.”
Looking toward 2026, the online gambling sector in San Juan remains in a state of suspension. Juan Pablo Medina, the President of Caja de Acción Social of San Juan, has indicated that the regulatory framework could be operational in early 2026. However, until then, IVISA continues to emphasize the need for swift action. The longer the delay, the stronger the foothold of illegal gambling networks becomes, depriving the province of essential revenue streams and regulatory control.
Despite these challenges, there is a counterpoint to consider. Some industry analysts suggest that the delay allows for a more comprehensive review of potential regulations, ensuring that they are robust and future-proof. While frustrating in the short term, this could lead to a more sustainable and well-regulated industry in the long run.
In summary, IVISA’s concerns underscore the complexities and implications of regulatory delays in San Juan’s online gambling landscape. The company’s call for immediate action highlights the pressing need for a clear and enforceable regulatory framework that honors existing contracts while addressing the rapidly evolving nature of the online gambling industry. As the sector anticipates regulatory developments in 2026, stakeholders remain hopeful that these issues will be resolved in a manner that balances economic, legal, and social considerations.
Erik Agary is a seasoned writer at True Games Reviews, specializing in gaming, casino games, and interactive entertainment. With a passion for all things digital, Erik dives deep into the latest trends and developments in the gaming world, offering insightful reviews and detailed analysis. His expertise spans across multiple gaming platforms, ensuring comprehensive coverage that resonates with both novice and experienced gamers alike.
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