Italy reviews gambling advertising rules and sector regulations

Italy is undergoing significant regulatory shifts regarding the gambling and betting sector. AGCOM has initiated a process to review the guidelines of the ‘Decreto Dignità’, which currently prohibits direct and indirect advertising and sponsorships for games of chance. This review may involve public consultations to clarify the boundaries between commercial promotion and informative communication, particularly concerning influencers and information websites.

In the legal sphere, the Consiglio di Stato has ruled against certain restrictions imposed by the Agenzia delle Dogane e dei Monopoli (ADM). The court annulled provisions that prohibited recharge points (PVR) from being located within private clubs and association premises, stating that such an absolute ban disproportionately restricted economic freedom. However, the weekly 100-euro limit on cash recharges remains in effect.

Politically, Giorgio Mulè, Vice President of the Chamber of Deputies, has called for a correction of current regulations by spring 2027. He noted that existing territorial restrictions and uneven rules have created inconsistencies that may inadvertently expand the space for illegal gambling activities. Meanwhile, research from Eurispes emphasizes the need for balanced policies that protect vulnerable populations from addiction while maintaining a regulated legal market to act as a barrier against organized crime.