Buenos Aires launches igaming licensing process

The Argentine capital province of Buenos Aires has launched the process to select seven online gaming licensees, with 14 operators competing for certification in the market.

While 15 companies had registered to participate, one of two local operators that was applying without an international partner, Slot Machines SA, did not make a presentation at a reception held by the Provincial Institute of Lottery and Casinos (IPLyC).

This means Biyemas will be the only prospective applicant not working with an international operator.

It was one of the companies to present its plans for the market to IPLyC staff at the reception. Also participating were William Hill and partner Argenbingo; Flutter Entertainment and Bingo Pilar; 888 and Boldt; bet365 and Pasteko; Luckia and Crown; Intralot and Binbaires and The Stars Group and Atlantica de Juego.

Betway and King Bingo; Codere and Iberargen; BetCris operator TV Global Enterprises and Ivisa; Betsson and Casino de Victoria; Playtech and Hotel Casino Tandil, and Sisal, with its partners Areltown and El Chalero, also took part.

The partners are competing for licences to offer online slots, casino games, virtual sports, and betting on horse racing and sports.

Seven will be awarded 15-year operating licences, in return for a AR$65m fee and a 25% gross revenue tax. Operators will be judged on list of 20 requirements by a special committee. Criteria include industry experience, financial capacity and data security.

Buenos Aires Governor María Eugenia Vidal signed igaming legislation into law in April this year, after it was passed by the provincial government in December 2018.