Italian Gaming Authority Emphasizes Responsibility and Legality in the Gambling Sector

Rome – The Italian gaming sector is under scrutiny to ensure responsible practices, legal compliance, and the protection of players. Elisabetta Poso, director of the Entertainment Devices Office at the Customs and Monopolies Agency (Adm), highlighted the state’s role in overseeing gaming activities during the presentation of New Codere Training, a new online platform for the training of legal gaming operators in the Codere Network. The event took place on June 18 at the Palazzo dell’Informazione in Rome.

Poso emphasized that gaming is a state-reserved activity entrusted to companies that provide this service on behalf of the state. These companies are responsible for promoting values such as legality, adherence to regulations, consistent tax revenue, and, most importantly, the protection of players. The goal is to ensure that gaming is conducted responsibly and healthily.

“The responsibility primarily lies with the concessionaires, who, through training activities for operators, must be aware of any irresponsible gaming behaviors. It is crucial that concessionaires seek professional expertise for this training,” Poso stated.

Adm’s role includes verifying that concessionaires operate in compliance with laws and contracts, as well as monitoring gaming locations. The agency also conducts anti-fraud activities. The gaming sector has evolved significantly in the last decade, particularly with the rise of online gaming. Adm supports players in this area by ensuring that concessionaires adhere to strict rules, such as the absolute prohibition of gaming for minors.

In online gaming, minors cannot open gaming accounts, a safeguard absent in illegal gaming. Adm combats illegal offerings by blocking unauthorized websites. Preventing underage gaming is a cornerstone of Adm’s controls, with substantial financial penalties and potential business closures for violations. Despite the widespread availability of gaming, Adm strives to enforce these controls and expects concessionaires to do the same.

Adm collaborates closely with law enforcement, focusing on administrative controls and sanctions, while police forces handle criminal investigations related to gaming. The challenges to monitor remain consistent, though they evolve with technology and social contexts. This evolution requires ongoing efforts to combat illegality.