The gambling industry in Argentina records two major developments in the province of Santa Fe. On one hand, Gaming Laboratories International (GLI) became the first testing laboratory to obtain accreditation from the Caja de Asistencia Social – Lotería de Santa Fe, a milestone that opens new doors for suppliers and operators looking to enter this jurisdiction. On the other hand, the provincial government confirmed the international tender for licenses for the operation of online sports betting, consolidating Santa Fe as one of the most active markets in the country regarding gambling regulation.
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GLI, first laboratory accredited by the Lotería de Santa Fe
Gaming Laboratories International achieved an unprecedented milestone in the Argentine province: being the first testing laboratory to receive official accreditation from the Caja de Asistencia Social – Lotería de Santa Fe. This authorization allows GLI to test and certify slot machines, online games, systems, and platforms intended to operate in this jurisdiction.
The accreditation adds to a series of recognitions that the company has already accumulated in other jurisdictions of the country. GLI has been operating in Argentina for more than two decades and has a solid presence both locally and throughout Latin America, reinforcing its position as a technical reference in the region.
What this accreditation means for industry suppliers
For gambling manufacturers and operators aspiring to enter the Santa Fe market, GLI’s accreditation represents a concrete advantage: they now have an authorized laboratory to manage the certification procedures required by the local regulator. Until now, this possibility did not formally exist in the province.
Karen Sierra-Hughes, GLI Vice President for Latin America, the Caribbean, and Spain, highlighted the strategic relevance of the recognition. “Achieving this type of accreditation is a challenge, and once again, GLI has risen to the occasion for the benefit of both regulators and suppliers,” she noted. The executive also emphasized Santa Fe’s weight within the regional gambling ecosystem: “Argentina remains a dynamic country in gaming, and we are honored to be selected for this accreditation and to create a path for suppliers and operators to enter the jurisdiction.”
Santa Fe tenders online sports betting with international reach
In parallel with GLI’s accreditation, the Government of Santa Fe moved forward with the formal opening of the online gambling market. On March 3, the Lotería de Santa Fe carried out the tender for the granting of licenses for the instrumentation, implementation, operation, and exploitation of online sports betting throughout the provincial territory.
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The public tender was international in nature, opening the door for the participation of foreign operators with experience in the segment. Bids could be submitted until March 2 at the Undersecretariat of Contracting and Asset Management, located in the province’s Civic Center. The results were announced on March 3 at 12:00 PM on the ground floor of the Government Administrative Center.
Multiple licensees, 15% fee, and concessions of up to 10 years
The scheme defined by the provincial government does not contemplate a single operator. Instead, the entry of multiple licensees will be enabled, provided they prove to be fit to carry out the activity. This decision aims to foster competition within the market and expand the offer available to users.
Each licensee must pay a minimum fee of 15% on the monthly gross result generated by their operation. Regarding the concession term, the maximum established is 10 years, with the possibility of an extension of up to two additional years, subject to evaluation by government authorities.
Santa Fe, a key market on the Latin American gambling map
Both developments position Santa Fe as one of the most active jurisdictions in Argentina regarding online gambling regulation. GLI’s accreditation and the tender for online sports betting licenses are clear signs that the province is moving toward a more structured gambling ecosystem, with technical and legal frameworks that offer certainty to both regulators and operators.
For GLI, this double move in Santa Fe consolidates its strategy of expansion in Latin America and reinforces its role as a technical gateway for global suppliers looking to operate in emerging markets in the region.
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