THE ARGENTINE PUZZLE: PROVINCIAL REGULATION
Argentina is different. Unlike Brazil or Colombia where one national regulator controls sports betting, Argentina has 24 different jurisdictions—23 provinces plus the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires (CABA). Each province makes its own gambling rules.
For American expats, this sounds complicated. In practice, it's manageable. If you're in Buenos Aires (where most expats live), you're dealing with LOTBA (the city lottery authority). Major international sportsbooks like bet365 and Betsson hold licenses there and work fine.
The biggest thing to understand: your options depend on where you are in Argentina. An operator licensed in Buenos Aires city cannot legally serve someone in Buenos Aires province (yes, the city and province are different jurisdictions). But for practical purposes, this mainly affects advertising—you can still sign up and use most major sportsbooks from anywhere in the country.
🎯 Bottom Line for Expats
If you're in Buenos Aires (city), you have access to bet365, Betsson, Codere, and other major international operators. Registration is straightforward with a passport. Payment via Mercado Pago (Argentina's payment super-app) is the easiest method. The experience is similar to betting in regulated US states.
UNDERSTANDING THE REGULATORY LANDSCAPE
Here's how Argentina's provincial system works:
🏙️ Buenos Aires City (CABA)
🏞️ Buenos Aires Province (PBA)
Federal Oversight: ARCA
While licensing is provincial, there's now a federal layer. In 2025, the tax authority (rebranded as ARCA) introduced Resolution 5791, creating a national "Online Betting Control Registry." All operators need to register with ARCA regardless of their provincial license.
What this means for bettors: more legitimacy, clearer oversight, and payment processors like Mercado Pago working more seamlessly with licensed operators.
BEST SPORTSBOOKS FOR EXPATS IN ARGENTINA
| Sportsbook | English | Passport OK | Mercado Pago | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| bet365 | âś“ Full | âś“ Yes | âś“ Yes | Best overall for expats |
| Betsson | âś“ Full | âś“ Yes | âś“ Yes | Great bonus, no negative carryover |
| Codere | ⚠️ Spanish primary | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | Physical locations for cash |
| Betway | âś“ Full | âś“ Yes | âś“ Yes | Good promos, esports focus |
| Stake | âś“ Full | âś“ Yes | âś— Crypto only | Crypto users, inflation hedge |
bet365 Argentina: The Gold Standard
bet365 operates legally in both CABA and Buenos Aires Province with full English interface support. They accept passport verification for foreigners and work seamlessly with Mercado Pago. If you've used bet365 anywhere else in the world, the experience is identical.
The Argentina-specific domain is bet365.bet.ar—make sure you're using this version to access local payment methods and promotions.
🏆 BET365 ARGENTINA
Full English interface. Mercado Pago deposits. Licensed in CABA and Province. The safest choice for American expats.
Join bet365 Argentina →18+ | LOTBA Licensed | Gamble Responsibly
Betsson Argentina: Best Bonus Terms
Betsson offers arguably the best affiliate and bonus terms in Argentina. Their key advantage: no negative carryover. If you have a bad month, your balance resets. This is rare in the industry and makes Betsson particularly attractive for regular bettors.
Welcome bonus is up to ARS $350,000 (roughly $350 USD at current rates—yes, inflation makes the numbers look wild). English interface available.
âš˝ BETSSON ARGENTINA
No negative carryover. Full English. Licensed since 1963. Excellent for Argentine football betting.
Join Betsson →18+ | Licensed | Gamble Responsibly
Stake: The Crypto Option
Argentina's inflation makes cryptocurrency attractive. The peso has been volatile for years, and many Argentines (and expats) hold stablecoins like USDT to preserve value. Stake accepts 20+ cryptocurrencies and offers a full English interface.
If you want to bet in USD-equivalent rather than pesos, Stake is your best option. Deposit USDT, bet in USDT, withdraw in USDT—completely bypassing peso volatility.
🎰 STAKE - CRYPTO SPORTSBOOK
Bet in USDT to avoid peso inflation. 20+ cryptocurrencies. Passport verification. Instant withdrawals.
Join Stake →18+ | Crypto Only | Gamble Responsibly
PAYMENT METHODS: MERCADO PAGO IS KING
Mercado Pago is Argentina's super-app. It's like Venmo, PayPal, and Cash App combined, but more widely used. Nearly every Argentine sportsbook accepts it, and it's the easiest payment method for expats.
| Method | Works for Expats | Speed | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mercado Pago | âś“ Yes | Instant | Requires Argentine phone number |
| Debit Card (Local) | ⚠️ Need local bank | Instant | Argentine bank account required |
| DEBIN (Bank Transfer) | ⚠️ Need local bank | Instant | Direct bank debit |
| Rapipago/Pago Fácil | ✓ Yes | 1-24 hours | Cash at convenience stores |
| Cryptocurrency | âś“ Yes | 5-30 min | Stake only; avoids peso volatility |
Setting Up Mercado Pago as a Foreigner
You can create a Mercado Pago account with:
- Argentine phone number (get a local SIM)
- Email address
- Passport or DNI (if you have one)
Without a DNI (Argentine ID), you'll have limited features—but enough for sportsbook deposits. You can fund your Mercado Pago via credit card (including US cards in many cases), cash at Rapipago locations, or crypto-to-peso services.
đź’ˇ Inflation Tip
Don't hold large peso balances in your sportsbook account. The peso devalues constantly. Deposit what you need, bet it, and withdraw winnings quickly. Or use Stake with USDT to avoid peso exposure entirely.
WHAT TO BET ON IN ARGENTINA
Argentine football is world-class, and the betting markets reflect it:
Argentine Football (FĂştbol)
- Liga Profesional: The top division. Boca Juniors, River Plate, Racing, Independiente, San Lorenzo. Massive betting interest.
- Superclásico: Boca vs. River is one of the biggest derbies in world football. Enhanced markets everywhere.
- Copa Argentina: Domestic cup competition.
- Copa Libertadores: Argentine clubs are perennial contenders.
US Sports Coverage
- NFL: Good coverage at bet365 and Betsson. Argentina doesn't have the NFL culture of Mexico, but markets are available.
- NBA: Solid coverage, especially with Argentine players like Facundo Campazzo in the league.
- MLB: Limited but available.
Other Popular Markets
- Tennis: Argentina produces world-class players. Deep markets for ATP/WTA.
- Rugby: Los Pumas have passionate following. International matches get enhanced markets.
- Boxing: Strong tradition. Major fights well-covered.
⚽ The Superclásico
Boca Juniors vs. River Plate is more than a football match—it's a cultural event. If you're in Buenos Aires when it happens, expect the city to shut down. All sportsbooks offer enhanced markets, special promotions, and deep prop betting for this fixture.
HOW TO SIGN UP FROM BUENOS AIRES
Registration at Argentine sportsbooks is straightforward for foreigners:
- Choose your sportsbook (bet365 recommended for English speakers)
- Visit the .bet.ar domain (bet365.bet.ar, not bet365.com)
- Register with email and create password
- Enter personal details including Argentine address
- Upload passport for verification (DNI not required)
- Wait for verification (usually 24-48 hours)
- Deposit via Mercado Pago or other method
- Claim welcome bonus if applicable
⚠️ Address Requirements
You need an Argentine address to register. Your rental apartment, Airbnb, or hotel address works for most sportsbooks. Some may ask for a utility bill as proof—if you're in a short-term rental, ask your host if they can provide one.
WITHDRAWING YOUR WINNINGS
Withdrawals in Argentina work similarly to deposits:
- Mercado Pago: Usually processed within 24 hours, often faster
- Bank Transfer (DEBIN): 1-3 business days to Argentine bank account
- Crypto (Stake): Minutes—by far the fastest option
Getting Money Back to the US
This is where Argentina gets tricky. Capital controls limit how much USD you can purchase at official rates. Your options:
- Wise: Works for peso-to-USD transfers, but rates may not be favorable
- Crypto conversion: Withdraw to Stake or exchange pesos for USDT locally, then send to US exchange
- Keep it local: Many expats just spend their winnings in Argentina rather than repatriating
đź’° The Blue Dollar
Argentina has parallel exchange rates—the official rate and the "blue dollar" (informal market rate). The blue dollar is typically 20-40% higher. While technically illegal, it's widely used. Sportsbooks operate at official rates, so be aware that your peso winnings may be worth more if exchanged informally.
BETTING TIPS FOR ARGENTINA
1. Inflation-Proof Your Betting
Either bet with Stake in USDT, or withdraw winnings immediately. Don't let peso balances sit in your account—they lose value constantly.
2. Home Advantage Matters in Argentine Football
Argentine stadiums are intimidating. La Bombonera (Boca), El Monumental (River), and El Cilindro (Racing) are fortresses. Home advantage is real and should factor into your betting.
3. Altitude Doesn't Apply
Unlike Bolivia or parts of Colombia, Argentine football is played at sea level. No altitude adjustments needed for visiting teams.
4. Watch for Fixture Congestion
Argentine clubs play in multiple competitions simultaneously (league, Copa Argentina, Libertadores/Sudamericana). Fatigue and squad rotation create betting opportunities.
5. Follow the Clásicos
Beyond the Superclásico, Argentina has many derbies: Independiente vs. Racing (Clásico de Avellaneda), San Lorenzo vs. Huracán (Clásico Porteño). These matches are unpredictable—underdogs often perform.
American or British Expat?
We have step-by-step guides specifically for expats dealing with US/UK banking blocks, passport verification, and finding sportsbooks that actually work for foreigners.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do I need a DNI to bet in Argentina?
No. Most sportsbooks accept passport verification for foreigners. DNI speeds up the process but isn't required.
Can I use DraftKings or FanDuel in Argentina?
No. They don't operate in Argentina and are geoblocked.
Is bet365 legal in Argentina?
Yes. bet365 holds licenses in both CABA (Buenos Aires City) and Buenos Aires Province. Use the bet365.bet.ar domain.
What about taxes on winnings?
Gambling winnings may be subject to income tax in Argentina. The exact treatment varies—consult a local tax professional for large wins. As a US citizen, you're also technically required to report worldwide income to the IRS.
Can I bet from Mendoza, CĂłrdoba, or other provinces?
Yes, most national sportsbooks work throughout Argentina. Provincial regulations mainly affect operators' advertising, not your ability to bet.
Is cryptocurrency legal for betting in Argentina?
Crypto exists in a gray area. It's not explicitly prohibited, and many Argentines use it due to currency instability. Stake operates in Argentina accepting crypto.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Argentina is expat-friendly for sports betting. The provincial regulation system sounds complicated, but in practice, if you're in Buenos Aires, you have access to excellent sportsbooks like bet365 and Betsson with full English interfaces.
Key considerations:
- Use Mercado Pago for easy peso deposits
- Consider Stake with USDT if you want to avoid peso inflation
- Don't hold large peso balances—withdraw or convert quickly
- Argentine football betting is world-class
The Superclásico alone is worth experiencing as a bettor. Just manage your currency exposure and you'll be fine. 🇦🇷⚽
🇦🇷 START BETTING IN ARGENTINA
Two excellent options depending on your payment preference. Pesos or crypto—your call.
Get Started →18+ | Licensed by LOTBA | Gamble Responsibly