Reactions to Online Gaming in Mendoza, Argentina

Online gaming has now been available in the Argentine province of Mendoza for over a month. In response, local gaming operators and ticket selling agents have responded with their doubts and concerns. Namely, they worry that the availability of online gaming will threaten their livelihoods, as online games become the more popular and convenient choice. Concerns were voiced by the Mendoza Association of Official Gaming Agents, known by the acronym AMAJO.

Ticket retailers in Mendoza, Argentina have grave concerns for the future of their businesses in reaction to new online gaming platforms.
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Concern from members of AMAJO

Enrique Paolini, who acts as treasurer of AMAJO and is a representative of the union, spoke on its behalf to local media in Mendoza. Paolini explained that AMAJO was not even informed officially about the introduction of online gaming to the region; rather, they found out via news like the general public.

Paolini insinuated this was unacceptable treatment and showed a lack of respect and concern for AMAJO, who hold an important role in the local gaming industry. It is especially unsavory considering there are already concerns among agents about how online gaming will affect their business, and whether it might mean the beginning of the end for some in-person sales.

He also shared that AMAJO has requested a meeting with the government to talk about the potential consequences of this action. He said they were taken by surprise that it had been implemented, and members feel it is necessary to have some open dialogue to see how they will move forward with the changes.

Data shows that 1,300 families — meaning many more individuals — are connected to the brick-and-mortar gaming industry in Mendoza alone. That means a potentially vast amount of people struggling if their businesses go under.

Though the government has argued that online gambling will create new opportunities rather than threaten existing ones, there is concern that there will not be enough business to go around for the existing sellers, and some might have to shutter their doors.

Paolini also brought up an important point about the local versus international nature of the debate. Local sellers are the ones most adversely affected by the addition of online gambling, while many online providers are based outside of Argentina. This means that not all profits will be seen by the local community, though official platforms are of course taxed.

Interestingly, Paolini also spoke about the change as it is connected to gaming addiction and problematic behaviors. He said that online gamers are more likely to suffer from addiction due to the isolated nature of the process. He expressed concern for the generations that will grow up with this form of gaming so widely available.

Instead, with in-person interactions, he said that bettors have time to think and consider what they do. He also spoke to the relationship between the bettor and seller as a positive one, and one that can help reduce the likelihood of problem behaviors developing thanks to a human bond.

Five potential online platforms

In Mendoza, two platforms are already operational. These are BetWarrior and Super7. There are five companies total that have received approval and will eventually offer their services in the area: Traylon/BetWarrior, Fuente Mayor, Sheraton, Desarrollos Maipú and Super7.

All have varying payment agreements with the Provincial Institute of Games and Casinos (IPLyC) in hopes of bringing in revenue to the region. However, ticket sellers are not the first to complain about the situation. IPLyC has also had to respond to similar concerns from casino workers in Mendoza.

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