Législation

Argentina – Argentina looks to ban cash transactions in casinos

The deputy representing the province of Córdoba Diego Mestre, has put forward a bill which would only ban the use of cash in casinos and slot parlours in Argentina in order to curb money laundering and tax evasion.

Instead only credit cards and debit cards would be permitted.

According to Mestre’s proposals, Argentina’s anti money laundering laws would be amended so that they would incorporate new measures which only allow credit cards and debit cards in casinos and slot parlours. The use of credit and debit cards would be the only means of purchasing chips and betting in casinos, betting shops, bingo halls, racetracks, and slot parlours throughout Argentina, he said.

Speaking to local press Mestre said that the new law would safeguard against money laundering: “With putting the process within the banking system, the way of acquiring chips and betting, would be by informing the banking system who and how much is being bet. Today, casinos and the gambling business engage in financial activities in the context of entertainment, but they do not care who or where the money is coming from. Neither the state nor anyone knows for sure where they these funds end up which may come from all kinds of crimes, such as drug trafficking or arms dealing,” he said.

Mestre’s proposals are the latest in a number of measures which seek to enforce stricter rules when it comes to financial transactions in casinos and other gaming establishments in Argentina. In May 2014 Deputy Juan Carlos Juárez introduced a bill into in the Buenos Aires Legislature which would prohibit cash betting throughout the province.

Le projet de loi obligerait tous les salons de machines à sous, casinos et points de loterie à mettre en place la technologie qui permettrait au joueur de parier : « via des cartes de débit, des cartes de crédit et d’autres formes de paiement électronique ». En plus d'imposer des limites de paris quotidiennes, l'initiative législative garantirait également que tous les prix seraient déposés directement sur des comptes bancaires et « ne seront en aucun cas versés en espèces ».