The European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) has blasted Italian authorities for slashing the number of online gambling licenses and increasing license fees. The body is concerned that the move will cause a spike in illegal gambling.
If the plan is approved, the number of licenses will be cut from 120 to 40 in 2023. Online licensing fees would cost at least €2.5 million (US$2.98 million), a tenfold increase. Licensing fees would also be established through an auction process rather than through a fixed cost as in other European jurisdictions, according to iGamingBusiness.com.
“While EGBA appreciates the discretion, within certain boundaries, of member states to set the cost for gambling licenses in their jurisdiction, this is an extremely high concession fee and, coupled with the drastic reduction of the number of online gambling licensees, would be a major barrier to a well-functioning market,” the association said in a statement.
Italy’s gaming authority needs to forward the draft law to the European Commission to make sure its national laws comply with EU law.
Italy’s iGaming market had its second-best month in February 2021, in large measure due to online sports wagering. Online gaming ticked up 4.6 percent from January to €351.2 million, just behind the record set in December 2020.
