“Responsible and safe gambling: the key role of the retailers” takes centre stage in Argentina
With broad participation from licensed outlets across the country, ALEA held an online session aimed at strengthening prevention and reinforcing retailers’ commitment to responsible gambling.
A meeting with a federal focus and a preventive approach
The Association of State Lotteries and Casinos of Argentina (ALEA) held a virtual training session titled “Responsible and Safe Gambling: the key role of the retailer”, which brought together owners and staff from official lottery agencies in several provinces. In this context, the President of ALEA’s Social Responsibility Coordinating Unit, Carolina Molina (IAFAS), explained that the session sought “to reinforce the role of retailers as key players in early detection and in promoting a culture of safe and legal gambling within their communities”.
Molina also stressed that this initiative forms part of ALEA’s federal policies, whose purpose is to build ongoing training spaces for all actors in the sector. “The retailer’s commitment to prevention and responsible guidance is essential, because they are the first point of contact for people taking part in regulated games,” she emphasised. The initiative, therefore, had not only an educational character but also an awareness-raising element for those who maintain direct links with the public.
From prevention to intervention: psychologists share responsible sales guidance
During the session, various topics were addressed that reflect the diversity of challenges agencies face in their daily work. Lara Calabroni, a psychologist and Coordinator of the Responsible Gambling Area at Lotería Chaqueña, spoke about the role of the agency as an agent of prevention and about the ban on selling to minors, underlining that “prevention is part of responsible service, not an add‑on to the business”.
Mayra Gallucci, psychologist and specialist in Responsible Gambling at the Buenos Aires City Lottery (LOTBA), highlighted warning signs and prevention strategies, noting that recognising problematic behaviour can be key to avoiding risk situations. In fact, Gallucci stated, “an attentive retailer can make a real difference by identifying excessive gambling behaviours, since their intervention can guide the player towards the right support”. Her reflection made clear the social responsibility that the retailer’s role entails.
Likewise, Diana Fusco, also a psychology professional and Coordinator of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Responsible Gambling (RG) at the Provincial Institute of Games of Chance of Neuquén (IJAN – Neuquén), addressed responsible selling and effective communication with players, stressing the importance of accompanying each transaction with clear information about limits and available control tools.
Self‑exclusion and the guidance role of agencies
Another core topic was self‑exclusion as a voluntary mechanism for those who wish to step away from gambling temporarily. Andrea Espinardi (Lotería de Córdoba) led this segment, pointing out that agency staff must be thoroughly familiar with the tools available in order to guide players who request them. “Empathetic support and accurate information are part of the commitment of all of us who work within a responsible gambling system,” she said during her intervention.
Espinardi highlighted the need for trained staff who not only handle sales and payouts but also act as a bridge between the player and institutional support networks. By contrast, a lack of awareness can often create barriers that training initiatives such as ALEA’s aim to overcome. In addition, holding the training online meant that representatives from every jurisdiction could attend, reinforcing the federal dimension of the initiative.
Later, the closing of the session was led by María Spengler (Lotería de Jujuy), who thanked retailers for their participation and praised the collective effort of the delegations. In her remarks, she stated that “the results of this training session reflect the genuine interest of agencies in taking on an active role in building safe and responsible gambling, from their own local space and in coordination with regulatory bodies”. She also stressed that this responsibility must be upheld day by day through the practical application of everything learned.
An institutional commitment renewed
ALEA announced that another training would be held shortly, with a new date to be announced on the association’s official channels, due to the great response to this experience. In doing so, the organisation strengthens its role as a link between regulators and licensed agents across the country.
Beyond the specific topics and individual presentations, the meeting shows that ongoing training is the foundation for maintaining gambling that is legal, safe and sustainable over time. Finally, ALEA reaffirmed its commitment to training, prevention and the consolidation of practices that benefit both operators and the wider community.
This article was first published in Spanish on 13 March 2026.
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