Italy to Ban Online Betting Promotions
The Italian administration is pushing ahead with plans to prohibit online betting promotions, subsequent to an order issued by Deputy Prime Minister Luigi Di Maio, dubbed the “Decree of Dignity.”
As part of the directive, Di Maio stated that “gambling advertising will be prohibited.” Di Maio is the head of the anti-establishment Five Star Movement, which has been the most significant party in the coalition government since Italy’s general election in March.
The administration has also previously indicated it will enforce “strict constraints” on “forms of betting that permit repeated wagers,” as well as a “complete prohibition” on sponsorships linked to gambling.
The administration also intends to decrease the quantity of betting terminals by one-third, but Di Maio (who is also the Minister for Economic Development, Labor and Social Policies) stated the crackdown on the industry will commence with advertising.
However, he also insisted that he does not intend to ban gambling entirely.
In April, Italy’s regulatory body, the Customs and Monopolies Agency (ADM), received applications for online gambling licenses from eighty operators.
Several businesses have opted to seek individual permits, each costing €200,000 ($250,000).
Well-known names such as Bet365, PokerStars, Luckia, Videoslots, and Lottomatica have already filed applications. These new licenses will be valid until December 31, 2022.
In related news, Italy has unveiled the list of companies vying for online gaming licenses.
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