ARGENTINIAN SHUTDOWN

10 October 2008

Formoapuestas licence withdrawn

The Argentinian online gambling firm Formoapuestas has been shut down by the withdrawal of its licence by the Loteria Nacional. The sudden withdrawal has left managing director Ignacio Aguero in the dark, with no explanation given. Twelve years remain of the 15 year licensing agreement.

It is believed that the action against Formoapuestas - the only such company licensed - could be related to news that the provincial government of Buenos Aires may be considering restrictions on Internet gambling activity, with politicians debating a proposal that seeks to halt the pastime.

The proposed legislation includes provisions for ISPs to block access to gambling websites, with stiff penalties for both ISPs and operators taking wagers from residents of the province.

The firm reportedly has an online casino agreement with turnkey provider Microgaming which will be impacted by the surprise move by Loteria Nacional, although Aguero has indicated that a legal challenge has been initiated against the licensing body's decision, but this could take some time to produce any results.

Online Casino News courtesy of InfoPowa