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Summary:
- Amendments to the Delegation Law are currently being deliberated by Parliament
- The changes could be approved this summer
- Italy’s autonomous regions would need to agree to the reforms
Groundbreaking gambling reforms are in sight in Italy as the Parliament continues to discuss proposed amendments to the Delegation Law which would pave the way for a major overhaul of the country’s land-based gambling sector.
The government is looking to have the changes approved by August this year and it appears to be well on track to achieve that goal.
Italian Gambling Industry Welcomes Reform Proposals
The Italian government seeks to establish a unified framework in relation to the issuance of concessions and licenses, as well as tax revenue generation. Italian gambling operators have welcomed the proposals, with Lottomatica CEO Guglielmo Angelozzi saying the approach has been well-balanced and constructive.
The new measures will prioritize player protection and safer gambling, with betting limits set to be introduced. New requirements have also been set for gambling halls and other gaming venues, with the government also looking to enhance self-exclusion mechanisms.
The changes are also aimed at harmonizing the rules in key areas, including the gambling venues’ opening times and the relocation of gaming points away from sensitive public places, such as schools, churches, and hospitals.
The latter sparked concerns from As.Tro, the organization representing Italian gambling operators. The association’s president, Massimiliano Pucci, said changes to gaming shop distances from such areas could put gambling investments at risk.
Major Gambling Reforms Could Be Introduced this Summer
Parliamentary deliberations on the changes are initially scheduled to conclude in early August but have been postponed as Italy declared a national day of mourning on June 14 for former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi funeral.
Nevertheless, the government is expected to speed up the process to obtain approval for the amendments by the end of this summer, during which legislation will be introduced for a comprehensive restructuring of the Italian gambling industry.
It’s the third attempt by the Italian government to overhaul the gambling sector in the last eight years. Previous attempts met with little success mainly due to political disagreements and the refusal of some municipalities to let go of their autonomy when it comes to gambling regulation.
Italy’s autonomous regions have a crucial role to play in making gambling reform a reality as any proposed changes to gambling laws would require their backing. The body representing the regions, Conferenza Unificata, must agree to the amendments to make sure new measures fall in line with regulations implemented throughout the regions.
