Italy’s Online Gaming Market To Undergo Major Regulatory Changes in 2024
Italy is set to revolutionize its online gaming landscape with a new regulatory overhaul planned for 2024. The Ministry of Economy and Finance has approved a reorganization decree aimed at strengthening player protection, increasing government oversight, and generating greater economic returns for the sector. These changes have sparked debate within the gaming community, with concerns ranging from increased costs for serious operators to tighter licensing requirements.
Key Changes Highlighted in the Reorganization Decree
The new decree, which comes at the end of a series of market reviews since 2011, introduces a new licensing structure for online operators. Operators will be required to pay a license fee of 7 million euros for a nine-year term. This substantial increase aims to deter less credible businesses and elevate the quality standards of online casinos.
The maximum number of concessions for each operator has been capped at five, with restrictions on multiple brands under a single license. Operators must submit separate applications for each category, including betting, casino, poker, and bingo.
Player Protection and the Fight Against Illegal Gambling
The new law imposes strict measures for player safety and to combat illegal gambling. Key provisions include a blacklisting of unauthorized websites, stringent financial transaction controls, and mandatory 0.2% of net revenue allocation to responsible gaming campaigns. Self-exclusion and storage thresholds are also obligatory, giving players more control over their gaming activities.
Industry Concerns and Economic Implications
The reforms have met with some resistance from industry players like Logico and Acadi, who argue that the licensing costs are prohibitive for smaller operators. Conversely, the government expects substantial economic benefits, predicting 350 million euros from new licenses over two years and an annual profit of 100 million euros from concession taxes. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has underscored the sector’s importance, with a contribution of 11 billion euros in 2022 alone.
Future Perspectives
The new regulations will enter into force by the end of 2024 after a full review by the European Commission. The Italien government hopes to align these reforms with EU standards, balancing player safety and market accountability while maintaining competitive integrity.
These regulatory changes are poised to have a significant impact on Italy’s gambling landscape, setting a global example for stricter control and greater player protection in the online gaming industry.
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