The Italian authorities has confirmed its resolution to maneuver ahead with its revamped playing laws, regardless of objections from Malta. This growth marks a big milestone in Italy’s effort to consolidate and reform its playing rules, with the brand new regulation anticipated to reshape the sector and generate substantial tax income.
Italy Dismisses Malta’s Concerns
Malta’s objections centered on a number of key areas of the proposed laws, together with the licensing necessities for B2B operators, restrictions on managing “skins” or secondary manufacturers underneath a single license, and enhanced safeguards to stop underage playing. Malta argued that the brand new guidelines might create pointless limitations for operators and urged Italy to account for current European licenses.
However, the Italian authorities dismissed these considerations, emphasizing the regulation’s adherence to EU rules. It clarified that B2B firms is not going to require separate concessions, because the time period “service provider” applies solely to operators providing direct companies to customers. Furthermore, Italy defended its method to technological neutrality, stating that the measures governing web sites and apps are similar, making certain truthful remedy throughout platforms.
“The proposed Technical Rules are adherent to the principles and EU law,” the Italian authorities asserted, including that the brand new rules goal to boost shopper protections and guarantee truthful competitors within the Italian playing market.
Key Features of the New Law
The new laws in Italy introduces important reforms designed to streamline the playing trade and prioritize accountable gaming. Key features embrace:
- Licensing and Fees: Online playing operators should pay a €7 million payment for a nine-year license. A concessionaire’s working payment of three% and a 0.2% levy on annual internet revenues may even be carried out.
- Player Protections: Stricter safeguards for younger gamers aged 18 to 24, together with obligatory financial and session limits throughout account registration. Self-exclusion choices and time-limit warnings may even be required.
- Technological Neutrality: Equal remedy for web sites and cell apps, making certain constant regulatory requirements throughout platforms.
- Data Hosting Compliance: Gambling platforms should host IT infrastructure inside the European Economic Area (EEA) to adjust to EU information safety requirements.
The reforms are anticipated to deliver substantial financial advantages, with the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) projecting that a minimum of 50 operators will apply for licenses, producing €350 million in preliminary income.
Implications for the Industry
The new regulation alerts a shift in Italy’s method to playing regulation, prioritizing sustainability and shopper safety whereas streamlining processes for operators. A devoted division inside the Agency of Customs and Monopolies will oversee playing actions, making certain compliance and managing the tender course of for licenses.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has endorsed the reforms, which goal to fight playing dependancy, defend minors, and help social initiatives via elevated tax income. The Italian playing sector, which raised €11 billion in 2022, is poised for additional progress underneath the brand new framework.
Industry Response
While Malta’s objections led to a short delay through the European Commission’s obligatory overview interval, the Italian authorities has remained steadfast in its place. With the upcoming issuance of licenses, the main focus now shifts to how these reforms will impression operators and customers alike.
The streamlined licensing course of, coupled with sturdy participant protections, units the stage for a extra accountable and clear playing setting in Italy. Industry stakeholders will likely be carefully monitoring the rollout of the brand new concessions and their long-term results in the marketplace.
Source:
“Italy to Go Ahead with New Gambling Law“, ICLG, November 21, 2024.
