Sapar Delegation Meets ADM Games Director, Discusses Industry Recovery.

Sapar’s New Season Aims to Revitalize Entertainment Machine Sector

A renewed focus on the entertainment machine sector is the driving force behind the new season for Sapar, spearheaded by President Sergio D’Angelo. This initiative was recently discussed during a meeting between a Sapar delegation and Mario Lollobrigida, Director of Games at the Customs and Monopolies Agency (ADM).

The Sapar delegation included President Sergio D’Angelo, Vice President Francesco Gatti, and lawyer Francesco Badolato. The meeting was characterized by a cordial atmosphere and a spirit of collaboration.

Key Discussion Points

The meeting centered on critical issues for the entertainment machine sector, particularly concerning Italian businesses. These businesses were presented to the ADM director as essential for player safety and protection, and for combating illegal activities, acting as a frontline of legality.

Sapar voiced significant concerns about the future of management companies under the new tender.

A proposal for a new type of machine garnered considerable interest. This machine would feature a reduced fixed hourly loss, an increased payout, a lower tax rate (Preu), a higher maximum win, and technological innovations to enhance security. The goal is to introduce a machine with greater player protections and to boost revenue, which has declined in recent years (-30% from 2019-2024), while also ensuring tax revenue. ADM welcomed the proposal and will evaluate a detailed project, considering the continuity of tax revenue, which could face political resistance. Discussions also highlighted the importance of machine innovations to make them more appealing and combat illegal gambling.

The issue of contracts between operators and concessionaires, including often excessive penalties for terminations and cancellations, was also addressed. Sapar proposed including in the new concession, as part of the minimum contract terms, the option to include penalties or fees for terminations that still protect contractual freedom and the ability of weaker parties to choose concessionaires.

Comma 7 Machines

The meeting also covered Comma 7 machines. Discussions focused on proposals for a comprehensive revitalization of the sector, beyond individual aspects like increasing the win limit on Comma 7 A or Comma 7 C bis machines, or introducing interactive monitors on 7 A machines – proposals currently stalled politically. It was emphasized that this market segment has been stagnant since the early 2000s, when it was internationally renowned, and is now lagging behind in Europe. Given the current stagnation of the Italian market and its difficulty in importing new products, Sapar will actively propose machine innovations.

All proposals were met with great interest by the Agency, which appreciated the detailed explanations provided by President Sergio D’Angelo, Vice President Francesco Gatti, and lawyer Francesco Badolato. ADM confirmed that it would consider all suggestions presented.

In conclusion, the meeting was highly constructive, aimed at creating a sustainable gaming model focused on player protection, prevention of risky behavior, safeguarding tax interests, and supporting management companies.