Catamarca deputies advance bill restricting registered debtors’ casino access
Regulation2 min read
Catamarca’s Chamber of Deputies reportedly gave preliminary approval to a bill that would bar people listed as child-support debtors from casinos, gambling halls and bingo venues in the province. The proposal would also digitise the register and introduce electronic certificates and QR-code checks. It must now be considered by the provincial Senate.
Catamarca’s Chamber of Deputies has given preliminary approval to a bill that would bar people on the provincial child-support debtors register from casinos, gambling halls and bingo venues.
The bill would prevent registered debtors from opening current accounts, obtaining or renewing credit cards and receiving state subsidies or financial assistance. It would restrict commercial and industrial licences, participation in public tenders, and access to concessions, permits and contracts with public bodies. Other proposed limits cover driving licences, entry to public events and football grounds, and certain public administration and judicial posts.
The reform would digitise the register, which operates under the judiciary and uses paper procedures. The proposed system would allow state bodies to exchange information and use digital certificates and QR-code checks. In localities outside the provincial capital without connectivity, justices of the peace and local service centres would be involved.
During the debate, deputy Aibar Quintar said debtor status applies after several consecutive unpaid instalments or four non-consecutive ones, provided a judicial notice has been issued. The bill combines proposals from María Argerich and Eduardo Andrada of Frente de Todos, former UCR legislator María Alejandra Pons, and Natalia Saseta of PRO. Saseta defended the gambling restriction during the debate, questioning the use of money for recreation while child-support debts remain unpaid.
San Juan, Buenos Aires province, Salta and Entre Ríos have advanced laws barring registered debtors from casinos and gambling halls, while Jujuy is working to implement a restriction through an agreement between the judiciary and the gambling regulator. Buenos Aires city approved a law in August 2026 preventing debtors from opening accounts, depositing, betting or withdrawing money on licensed online gambling platforms. A proposal in Buenos Aires province would introduce similar online restrictions.
La Rioja is considering restrictions on access to casinos, bingo venues and gambling halls. A bill in Tucumán covers land-based and online gambling and proposes the preventive freezing of funds and winnings. A proposed federal register would extend restrictions to casinos, bingo venues, betting agencies and licensed digital platforms.
The Catamarca bill must now be considered by the provincial Senate before it can become law.