TLDR Argentina’s government issued Decree 771/2026, giving the Health Ministry new powers over problem gambling. The ministry will now handle prevention, treatment, training, research and awareness campaigns. The decree responds to the rise of online betting through smartphones and digital wallets. Former footballer Jonathan Gómez shared his own struggle with gambling addiction, adding a personal voice to the debate. The policy shifts Argentina’s approach from regulating operators toward public health prevention.
Argentina’s Health Ministry has been given a bigger role in fighting problem gambling. The change comes through Decree 771/2026, which was published in the Official Gazette.
The decree hands the ministry new duties tied to gambling prevention and treatment. This puts problem gambling on the same level as other public health concerns.
Health Ministry Gains New Powers
Under the decree, the Health Ministry must build policies for prevention and treatment. This applies to both psychoactive substance abuse and problem gambling.
The new duties go beyond helping people who already have severe gambling problems. They also cover training, research, awareness campaigns and early prevention work.
Officials describe this as part of a wider, more complete approach. The goal is to address gambling harm before it becomes a crisis for individuals or families.
The decree is a direct response to how easy online betting has become. Smartphones, digital payments and virtual wallets have made gambling more accessible, especially for younger people.
This has created new challenges for anyone trying to prevent gambling harm. Digital access moves faster than older prevention methods were built to handle.
Problem gambling has become a bigger topic in Argentina in recent months. National and provincial governments have been discussing ways to respond to online betting.
Some regions have already passed or proposed rules limiting gambling ads. Others are working on rules to keep