The Italian Ministry of the Economy and Finance (MEF) has begun talks with regional leaders as it begins to apply the decree reorganizing gambling. The changes will be applied recognizing local sensitivities. The discussions almost immediately hit roadblocks, AgiproNews reported April 1.
There are 20 autonomous regions and 100 municipalities whose sensitivities will need to be respected by the new federal laws. Of special concern will be the regulation of retail betting shops, bingo halls, arcades and gaming machines.
Central to these sensibilities will be how much distance is required between gambling activities and locations such as schools and churches. Also of local concern is operating hours of the venues.
The most contentious points have been on distances and opening times, AgiproNews reported, “as well as on the distribution of gaming outlets and slot machines across municipalities: as the regions have shown some doubts about the reform.”
Some regional executives submitted a proposal on how to apply the decree, but that was opposed by the ministry. The autonomous regions seek a standardized minimum difference. Existing law allows between 250 to 500 meters distance separating schools, hospitals and other public sites.
The ministry and the regional authorities also disagree on the issue of “closures during hours preceding major sporting events and lottery draws,” which could cause losses for operators and the state entities they pay taxes to. The sector contributes €10–€11 billion ($10.836 billion) in annual tax revenues.
Just about the only thing they have reached an agreement on is strengthening the ban on gaming advertising and marketing.
The government is determined to apply the decree changes across the autonomous regions, with minimal interruption to the retail gaming market.
The ministry says it is optimistic of reaching a consensus with regional executives about creating a regulatory framework that enforces federal rules while protecting local standards.
