How to Bet on Sports in Argentina as an American
Best sports bars in Latin America + ultra-cheap with USD
💰 The Argentina Advantage: Your Dollar Goes Insanely Far
With Argentina's inflation and favorable exchange rates (especially the "blue dollar" parallel rate), your USD stretches further here than anywhere else in Latin America. A night out with betting, beers, and steak dinner might cost you $30. Seriously.
⚡ TL;DR — The Quick Answer
Argentina's Regulatory Landscape
Argentina regulates gambling at the provincial level, not federal. Buenos Aires City fully legalized online sports betting in 2019 with 30+ licensed operators. Other provinces (Buenos Aires Province, Córdoba, Mendoza) have their own frameworks.
For Americans, the practical reality: international operators that accept US passports are your best bet, since local operators often require Argentine DNI (national ID).
Best Sportsbooks for Americans
Crypto solves Argentina's complicated currency situation. No need to deal with peso conversions, blue dollar rates, or local banking. US passport accepted, USDT in and out, instant withdrawals.
Open Stake Account →Licensed in Buenos Aires City. Accepts some foreign passports but verification can be inconsistent. Worth trying if you want a local licensed option. Works with local payment methods if you have Argentine banking.
Try Betsson →Spanish operator with Buenos Aires license. Strong fútbol coverage. Interface is Spanish-only. May accept foreign documents—worth attempting registration to see.
Try Codere →Why Crypto Is King in Argentina
Argentina's currency situation is... complicated. High inflation, multiple exchange rates, capital controls. Crypto sidesteps all of it:
- No peso conversion needed—bet in USDT, win in USDT
- Avoid blue dollar rate confusion
- Instant withdrawals back to Coinbase
- Your winnings aren't subject to Argentine inflation
Argentines themselves are massive crypto adopters for exactly these reasons. You'll fit right in.
Buenos Aires Sports Bars (The Best in Latin America)
Buenos Aires has the best dedicated expat sports bar scene in South America. These places show NFL, NBA, MLB, and more:
📍 Neighborhood Guide
Palermo (Soho/Hollywood): Young expats, digital nomads, trendy bars around Plaza Serrano.
Recoleta: Upscale, European feel, older expats and business travelers.
San Telmo: Bohemian, artsy, great Sunday market and nightlife.
Time Zone Consideration
Buenos Aires is 2 hours ahead of Eastern Time. NFL 1 PM games are 3 PM local—still reasonable. Night games (8:15 PM ET) kick off at 10:15 PM, which is when Buenos Aires nightlife is just warming up anyway. This city doesn't sleep early.
Betting on Argentine Football
While you're here, try betting on local fútbol. The Argentine Primera División features legendary clubs:
- Boca Juniors vs River Plate — The Superclásico, one of the biggest rivalries in world football
- Racing, Independiente, San Lorenzo — Passionate fan bases, chaotic matches
- La Bombonera — Boca's stadium literally shakes during games
Experiencing a Superclásico in Buenos Aires with money on the line is a bucket list item.
FAQ
Should I bring USD cash to Argentina?
Yes. You can exchange USD for pesos at "cuevas" (informal exchange houses) at the blue dollar rate, which is significantly better than the official rate. Your money goes much further this way. But for betting, crypto bypasses this entirely.
Can I open an Argentine bank account?
Difficult without residency. Even with residency, the process is bureaucratic. Crypto is simpler for betting purposes.
Is Buenos Aires safe?
Generally yes, with normal big-city precautions. Petty theft exists—don't flash expensive items. The neighborhoods mentioned (Palermo, Recoleta, San Telmo tourist areas) are quite safe, especially compared to their reputation.
The Bottom Line
Argentina offers the best sports bar scene and best value for USD in Latin America. The regulatory situation is a bit complex, but Stake solves everything for American bettors—crypto in, crypto out, US passport accepted.
Grab a table at Chicken Bros, order wings, place your bets on Stake, and enjoy watching your team while your $15 covers the whole night.
Ready for Buenos Aires?
Stake + crypto = simple betting without Argentine banking complications.
Open Stake Account →