Italy’s Parliament has voted to approve a complete overhaul of the republic’s gambling laws as part of approval of the “Tax Delegation Law,” SBC News reported August 11. This is the fourth time the government has attempted a reform of gambling sector laws.
The gambling sector, the bill says, requires a “reorganization of tax duties and the introduction of new player protection measures that aim to create a more transparent and accountable industry.”
Maurizio Leo, deputy Minister of Economy and Finance, earlier this year was appointed point man for the drafting reforms. This phase 1 focuses on reforming the concession model for the country’s gaming franchises and adopting rules that apply to all 20 administrative regions.
The Meloni government also emphasizes how important the gaming sector is to the economy, noting that it contributes €11 billion in revenue and employs 150,000.
Now that the infrastructure is approved, Mario Lollobrigida, who heads gaming at the Agency of Customs and Monopolies (ADM), will propose phase 2 of the legislation. Perhaps as soon as late September. This will cover such concerns as player protections, take limits, mandatory staff training, and banning betting on underage sports.
The government has also prioritized the revamping of the gambling self-exclusion program as being “high priority essential for the protection of vulnerable consumers,” said SBC News.
