Italy’s decision to ban gambling advertising in 2018 was a controversial one. Many have blamed the move for poor channelisation levels in the European country, with reports suggesting Italy’s illegal gambling market is worth around $26bn per year.
However, the ban is now facing the axe. Mounting pressure to overturn the Dignity Decree of 2018 has led to debates by The Chamber of Deputies at the Palazzo. The Senate endorsed a resolution on March 5, which permitted the Chamber to discuss the issue.
Serie A President Ezio Simonelli has a seat at the table
For changes to take effect, the government must agree on amendments to the laws. Negotiations are now taking place to determine what those amendments are, and Serie A President Ezio Simonelli has a seat at the table.
Soccer clubs playing in Italy’s top league have consistently voiced their criticism of the initial ban. Since it’s introduction in 2018, the bill is estimated to have cost Italian soccer around €100m ($109m) annually.
Serie A teams, such as AC Milan and Roma, have reported a combined income decline of €350m ($380m) for the 2023/2024 season. Tackling this financial crisis is one of the top priorities on the list of Simonelli, who only replaced his predecessor Lorenzo Casini in December.
There is currently no timeline for presenting the first draft of the new legislation, which will be named the Gambling Sponsorship Decree.