Italy Continues Building Unified Gambling Regulatory Infrastructure

Posted on: April 24, 2023, 07:50h. 

Last updated on: April 24, 2023, 04:28h.

Erik Gibbs Read More

Expertise: Asia Pacific Gaming, Gaming Business, Global Gaming.

Italy has been working on gambling reforms to correct what it says is a “splintered” approach to regulations. Referred to as the “anti-mafia” legislation, a new set of legislative measures is advancing, although it still has a long way to go.

The bill covers all aspects of gambling, from casinos to bingo to sports betting. It’s now in front of Parliament for discussion but needs input from at least 12 committees before it reaches the finish line.

Some jurisdictions, like the Municipality of Anzola dell’Emilia, have implemented their own gaming regulations. This has led to legal battles in the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU).

There have also been questions about who is entitled to hold a gaming license, with Italy’s licensing procedures coming under fire. With the reforms, supporters hope all the controversy will go away.

There’s no strict timeline for the new reforms to be implemented, although the government wants them as soon as possible. If everything stays on track, they may receive final approval in less than a year.

Setting the Record Straight

Anzola dell’Emilia previously introduced a restriction on hours of operation for gaming properties that operators tried to fight. They lost when a judge sided with the municipality. The decision had no impact on the online gaming segment.

The case wasn’t the catalyst for the reforms, but it shows the need for a systematic approach. All gaming operators need to know what to expect before launching their services.

The legislation, spearheaded by Treasury Deputy Minister Maurizio Leo, confirms the organizational model of the gaming system based on the concession and authorization system. This would ensure a single point of issuance for concessions and licenses across the country to prevent under-the-table deals and increase integrity.

Leo’s measures authorize the local authorities in Italy’s various municipalities to participate in the discussions and planning procedure for gaming activity. They can also have a say in the license rules and what constitutes the proper qualifications.

Other topics include a reduction of betting and winning limits and an increase in required responsible gambling training for managers and operators. Part of that training covers strengthening mechanisms for self-exclusion from gaming, which will be necessary to support a mandated national self-exclusion register.

Among the many other topics is a guaranteed sports betting ban. Specifically, amateur sports competitions where most athletes are under 18 will be off-limits for betting.

No Clear Path

This initiative is gaining momentum and could find a way through the legislative maze where previous attempts have failed. For almost a decade, various bills have been introduced to streamline Italy’s gaming industry and oversight. But they never found success.

Two, in particular, failed to convince consumers that the legislation was in their best interest, and public support faded away. Having a new prime minister, Giorgia Meloni, who took office last October, could make a difference.

The government received over €11 billion (US$12.1 billion) in tax revenue last year, marking a 28% increase. The online gaming market has slipped a little this year but remains strong and is beating last year’s mark.