Why CABA Stands Out
Within Argentina’s fragmented regulatory landscape, the City of Buenos Aires (CABA) occupies a special place. It was among the first jurisdictions to establish a dedicated legal framework for online casinos, overseen by the Lotería de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires (LOTBA).
Unlike other provinces that have been slower to organize their digital markets, CABA laid out clear criteria from the beginning: a limited number of licenses, strict control over payment methods, and a strong focus on player protection. For operators, suppliers, and affiliates, market entry depends not only on financial capacity but also on the ability to comply with a detailed compliance playbook.
The Five Markers of Legality in CABA
One of LOTBA’s most important contributions has been to define a simple checklist that distinguishes authorized operators from those working outside the law. For industry executives, these five markers are essential when evaluating potential partners or planning launches in Buenos Aires:
- .bet.ar domain – Only LOTBA-licensed casinos can operate with this extension. It provides an immediate, visible distinction between legal and illegal operators.
- Visible LOTBA license – Licensed websites must display their LOTBA seal and license number prominently.
- Identity verification via RENAPER (KYC) – Registration requires validation through Argentina’s National Registry of Persons (RENAPER).
- Local payment methods – Operators must integrate Argentine systems such as Mercado Pago, MODO, or DEBIN.
- Listing on the official LOTBA website – LOTBA publishes an up-to-date list of licensed operators.
These five markers—outlined in MejoresCasinos’ in-depth guide to CABA’s licensing framework—form the backbone of digital legality in Buenos Aires and are frequently used as reference points by compliance teams and affiliates alike.
Local Payments and Traceability: Why Crypto Is Not Allowed
One of the regulator’s firmest decisions has been to prohibit cryptocurrencies in licensed casinos. The rationale is straightforward: every transaction must be traceable.
Digital payments in Argentina are already dominated by local wallets and banking tools. Mercado Pago, MODO, and DEBIN are part of everyday financial life, and LOTBA uses this infrastructure to reinforce compliance. For operators, the message is clear: without full integration into local payment systems, there is no entry into CABA’s regulated market.
Brand Practices and Reputation Signals
Beyond technical compliance, licensed brands in CABA have invested in public signals of trust. Notable examples include:
- Bplay, licensed by LOTBA, which became an official sponsor of Argentina’s Professional Football League.
- Betano, another licensed operator, which signed a sponsorship deal with River Plate.
These partnerships are not just marketing strategies. They serve as reputational markers, showing both regulators and players that licensed brands operate transparently and responsibly.
Licensed Operators and Multi-Province Expansion
CABA’s roster of licensed operators includes global names such as Betsson, Bplay, Betano, Codere, Casino Buenos Aires Online, Super 7, Jugadon, and Bet365. Several also hold licenses in the Province of Buenos Aires, reflecting a responsible expansion strategy across jurisdictions. For suppliers and affiliates, this cross-licensing represents an opportunity to scale within Argentina under consistent legal frameworks.
Compliance and Operations Checklist
For compliance directors and operational teams, CABA offers a case study in how to build a robust framework. Validating a partner or product in Buenos Aires should include:
- Checking for a .bet.ar domain.
- Confirming the LOTBA license is visible on the website.
- Verifying RENAPER-based KYC processes are in place.
- Ensuring the operator accepts local payment methods.
- Confirming the operator appears on the official LOTBA list.
- Reviewing that responsible gambling tools are accessible and functional.
Expert perspective integrated
As Alberto Araujo, senior analyst at MejoresCasinos, emphasizes in his published review of CABA’s framework, regulatory clarity in Buenos Aires starts with the basics: a .bet.ar domain, a visible license, and RENAPER-based KYC. He further explains why local payments such as Mercado Pago or MODO are the standard enforced by LOTBA, underlining that compliance in CABA is not abstract but practical and visible.
CABA as a Replicable Operational Model
Beyond the City of Buenos Aires, the CABA framework offers a blueprint for structuring a digital gambling market that balances innovation with oversight. It provides clarity for operators seeking legitimacy, ensures player protection through verification and traceability, and creates a model that other jurisdictions in Argentina and Latin America can adopt.
In a region where online gambling regulation evolves unevenly, CABA already positions itself as an operational playbook for compliance-driven growth.
