Italy’s Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) is taking decisive action to fortify the legal gambling market by including proposals in the new Budget Law aimed at combating illegal gambling. A central component of this initiative is the creation of an advanced cybersecurity system designed to block access to unlicensed gambling websites from public internet locations. This move reflects a broader strategy to safeguard licensed operators and enhance the integrity of the Italian gambling industry.
According to AgiproNews, a respected source in the gambling industry, this new plan mandates that businesses offering public internet access, such as cafes and kiosks, implement software that restricts connections to illegal domains. The development and implementation of this software will be managed by the Customs and Monopolies Agency (ADM), Italy’s gambling regulatory body, in collaboration with the state-owned IT provider, SOGEI.
The ADM will establish detailed regulations to oversee the deployment of this system. In addition, enforcement will be supported by the Guardia di Finanza, a specialized military law enforcement agency operating under the Ministry of Economy and Finance. This agency will be responsible for ensuring compliance, imposing fines on non-compliant businesses, and pursuing criminal charges if it is found that devices are intentionally configured to guide users towards illegal betting platforms.
This initiative emerges during a crucial period following a recent licensing window in which new Italian online gambling licensees invested €7 million per license. The protection of these investments is critical, particularly in light of the Constitutional Court’s recent decision to nullify the Balduzzi Decree. The decree had previously banned gaming on terminals in public spaces, but was deemed by the court to be excessively restrictive and infringing upon business rights. Despite this ruling, the ADM is adamant that closed-circuit devices remain prohibited under current legal statutes.
In a related development, Italy is reconsidering its existing ban on gambling sponsorship within sports. This consideration aims not only to improve channelisation—directing players towards legal and regulated options—but also to provide financial support to sports clubs. The potential lifting of this ban could signify a significant shift in the relationship between the gambling sector and the sports industry, possibly leading to a mutually beneficial partnership.
The ADM is targeting November 12 to finalize the approval of Italy’s new online gambling concessions, having received 52 applications from 46 companies. This process is part of a broader strategy to streamline and update the regulatory framework governing online gambling.
Conversely, proposed reforms for land-based gambling regulations in Italy have experienced further delays, now pushed back to August 2026. The delay is attributed to the continued complexities associated with negotiations between regional governments and the ADM’s focus on the online gambling licensing process. Additionally, attention has been diverted to the recent national lottery tender, which was successfully secured by LottoItalia, a consortium featuring Brightstar, Allwyn, and Novomatic.
While these measures represent a significant step forward in the regulation of Italy’s gambling industry, there are differing opinions on their potential impact. On one side, proponents argue that the cybersecurity measures will significantly bolster the legal market by curbing illegal operations and ensuring a fair playing field for licensed operators. The enforcement role of the Guardia di Finanza is seen as a critical element in maintaining industry integrity and protecting consumers.
However, critics suggest that the focus on online regulations may overlook persistent issues within the land-based sector, which continue to face regulatory uncertainties. They argue that while the cybersecurity measures are necessary, a comprehensive approach that addresses both online and offline challenges is essential for long-term sustainability and growth in the gambling industry.
In conclusion, Italy’s commitment to enhancing its regulatory framework, particularly through technological advancements in cybersecurity, underlines the government’s dedication to protecting the interests of licensed operators and consumers alike. As the landscape of gambling continues to evolve, Italy’s approach could serve as a model for balancing innovation with regulation in the global market.
David Harrison stands tall in gambling journalism, marrying his firsthand casino experiences with a deep understanding of betting psychology. His articles transform complex gambling jargon into engaging tales of strategy and chance, making the world of betting accessible and enjoyable. David’s knack for narrative extends beyond print, making him a sought-after speaker on gambling trends and future bets. In the realm of gambling, David is both a scholar and a storyteller, captivating readers and listeners alike.
