Italian Officials Outline Plans for Overhaul of Land-Based Gambling Sector
Rome played host to the General Assembly of the Customs and Monopolies Agency (ADM), where key figures outlined their vision for the future of Italy’s gambling industry. Director Roberto Alesse emphasized the agency’s vital role in safeguarding the national economy and its significance on both European and global stages.
Focus on Reforming Land-Based Gambling
A central topic of discussion, eagerly anticipated by industry stakeholders, was the reorganization of the land-based gambling sector. Alesse noted that the online gambling sector had already undergone reform and that the focus now shifts to the physical network. “We are constructing, and are well advanced, a technical regulatory text that will be presented to the State-Regions Conference in the coming weeks,” he stated. Alesse expressed optimism that “the entire public gambling sector, a crucial area, will be reformed as expected for many years.”
Collaboration and Uniformity
Deputy Minister Maurizio Leo echoed this sentiment, affirming that “important discussions are underway with the Unified Conference” regarding the land-based gambling reform. A key challenge lies in establishing “uniform rules across the national territory, such as distances and time limits.” Leo stressed that the reform “is not a matter that will only concern the Ministry of Economy and ADM, but must necessarily involve dialogue with municipal authorities.”
Extended Timeline for Implementation
Addressing the timeline, Leo clarified that “the legislative decrees implementing the reform, as a result of a bill we have presented, which is going through its parliamentary process, will be postponed to December 31, 2025.” He expressed confidence that “in this time frame, I think we will be able to complete this reform.”
Revenue and Public Health
During his address, Director Alesse presented data on the public gambling sector. In 2024, state revenues from this sector amounted to 11.6 billion euros, mirroring the figure recorded in 2023. Alesse emphasized the need to simultaneously ensure “the protection of public health and the stability of tax revenues.” Deputy Minister Leo also highlighted “the protection of consumers, with particular regard to vulnerable people and minors” as an important consideration.
Combating Illegal Gambling
Oversight of the gambling sector remains a priority. In 2024, assessed tax totaled 72.5 million euros. Authorities issued 3,319 sanctions and inspected 19,210 establishments. There was a notable increase in blocked websites, rising to 721 in 2024 from 490 in 2023. Alesse attributed this increase to “synergy with law enforcement,” which played a crucial role in “controlling money flows and combating illegal gambling,” a point also emphasized by Leo.
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