Alessi (ADM): ‘Total Commitment Against Illegal Online Gambling’

Italian Customs and Monopolies Agency Intensifies Fight Against Illegal Online Gambling

Roberto Alesse, the Director-General of the Italian Customs and Monopolies Agency (ADM), has pledged a strong commitment to combating illegal online gambling. This assurance was given during his address to the Parliamentary Supervisory Commission on the Tax Registry, as part of an inquiry into measures to counter tax evasion, ensure the security of tax registry databases, and protect taxpayer data privacy.

Strategic Information Asset

Alesse emphasized the Agency’s role as the holder of strategically important information, integral to the Tax Information System (Sif). He also highlighted the management of the registry of operators in the public gaming sector and related control platforms. These platforms are used to verify operators’ compliance with tax obligations, including the Single Levy on Betting (Preu), the Entertainment Tax (Isi), and the single tax on fixed-odds sports and horse race betting. The Agency’s information assets interact with the tax registry databases and the archives of other economic and financial administrations.

Navigating the Complexities of Public Gaming

Alesse described the public gaming sector as “explosive” due to its rapid technological advancements. He noted the emergence of metaverse and multiverse regulations in some countries, citing examples of virtual bingo halls generating significant tax revenue. “We are experiencing a revolutionary historical phase in technological terms,” Alesse stated. “The public gaming sector, which brings approximately 15 billion euros in tax revenue to the state coffers, must be governed well.” He acknowledged the complexity of the sector, balancing revenue generation with the need to protect public health. Alesse assured that the Agency is constantly searching for and shutting down illegal websites every month. “The phenomenon is complex, but the commitment is total,” he affirmed.

Preventing Illegal Access with AI

Stefano Saracchi, Director of Organization and Digital Transformation at the ADM, also addressed the commission. He explained that the Agency, in collaboration with the Anti-Fraud Directorate, is developing an innovative approach to anticipate the moves of irregular operators. This involves using advanced artificial intelligence tools to predict which new domains might be activated to circumvent controls and offer unauthorized gambling services. This proactive approach aims to prevent access to illegal sites before illicit activities occur. “The study focuses on the preventive inhibition of access to sites, exploiting advanced artificial intelligence tools capable of predicting which new domains could be activated to circumvent controls and propose unauthorized gaming offers,” Saracchi said. He emphasized that this evolution is necessary due to the rapid changes in digital technologies and global connection channels, aiming to make the administration’s actions more effective and timely in safeguarding legality in the public gaming sector.