Association claims Italy's planned online gambling reforms could breach EU law
The European Gambling Association (EGBA) has issued a strongly worded statement expressing deep concern over Italy's proposed online gambling reforms. The news comes shortly after Italian trade groups also expressed concerns about the measures.
The decree, currently under consideration by the Italian Council of Ministers, proposes significant changes to the country’s online gambling regulations. One of the biggest changes is the hefty €7 million ($7.66 million) licensing fee.
EGBA claimed in a statement that the proposed fees were "unreasonable and unprecedented" in Europe. The European gambling trade group even suggested it may have violated European law.
Italy’s unreasonable reforms
EGBA considers the fee structure to be “unreasonably high” compared to previous fees for Italian online gambling licenses. The amounts range from 200,000 to 2.5 million euros ($218,980 to $2.73 million).
EGBA claimed that the proposed fees would have "serious consequences" for the Italian online gambling market. As others have suggested, this could hinder market growth and ultimately lead to operators leaving the country.
The proposed royalty increase is unprecedented and unprecedented; it would make Italy the most expensive country in Europe to obtain an online gambling license. ” EGBA Secretary General Maarten Haijer explains. “Together with other restrictions on the gambling market, such as the local advertising ban, the proposed fee increase will make Italy a closing door for new entrants and cause existing licenses to hold outflow. "It also raises concerns about compliance with EU law."
EGBA’s concerns extend beyond the proposed fee structure. The association also criticized the decree's "no advertising" provisions for online gambling, arguing that it would stifle competition and prevent operators from reaching their target audiences.
EGBA also advocates for a regulated and symmetrical advertising framework. She hopes Italy will consider policies that protect minors and vulnerable groups while allowing licensed operators to market their services effectively.
EGBA is ready to help
EGBA’s call to action for the Italian Council of Ministers is clear. It must reconsider the proposed ordinance and adopt a more balanced approach to regulating online gambling.
The group reiterated previous concerns that Italy loses more than €1 billion ($1.09 billion) annually to unregulated and unlicensed gambling. Raising the fee to €7 million "will only make the situation worse, rather than improve it, with serious implications for the protection of Italian players."
EGBA said the regulations must prioritize market competitiveness, player protection and compliance with EU law. If Italian legislators need help crafting workable wording, EGBA stands ready to work with Italian authorities to achieve this goal.
EGBA’s intervention is an important step in the ongoing debate over Italian online gambling regulations. The association's position is based on its extensive experience and expertise in the European gaming market and has significant influence.
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Source: www.casino.org
