The reforms of Italy’s gaming regulations will now have to wait. Most governmental processes were thrown into confusion with the resignation of Prime Minister Mario Draghi.
His exit signals the fall of the coalition government. President Sergio Mattarella has called for Parliament to be dissolved and for a snap General Election to be held September 25, a year earlier than scheduled.
In January, the Ministry of the Economy said it plans to reform the gambling sector to “reduce problem gambling harms, eliminate black market activities and optimize tax incomes.” The Ministry secured support among several parties for the Reorganization Law. However, with Parliament dissolved, that is now unlikely to happen in the near term.
A draft of that proposal had recommended phased reduction of the country’s land-based venues such as betting shops and bingo halls.
