Italy's Chamber of Deputies has authorized the 'Tax Delegation Law', a decree that paves the method for 'market reorganisation' of the Italian gaming sector. The costs has actually been forwarded to the Senate for its secondary approval where it is expected to face no obstacles in its passage into law.

Backing the mandate, Deputy Minister for the Economy Maurizio Leo expressed the federal government's intention to settle the approval before the summer season break in August. At the start of the year, Leo was assigned to lead a delegation drafting reforms to modernise the Italian betting market.

Upon getting its last approval, the federal government expects a timeline of 18-24 months for drafting the application of decree reforms. It will be followed by an extra year for establishing the new licensing regime, to approve new tender notices for betting concessions to be settled in 2024.

Roberto Alesse, Managing Director of the Agency of Customs and Monopolies (ADM), views the brand-new law as an 'remarkable legal opportunity' to settle a series of exceptional problems affecting both the gaming market and the lives of citizens.

The ADM employer stressed the need for stakeholders to attend to "the operation of the betting service to improve gamer defense and standards".

In his notice, Alesse resolved the problem of fragmented local laws on betting. He assured stakeholders that local authorities and the ADM will work together to identify 'delicate areas' where gambling activities must be restricted to safeguard susceptible groups.

Of significance, the reforms acknowledge that the public video gaming sector brings significant worth to the Treasury, generating approximately EUR11bn every year in revenue and employing about 150,000 employees.

The pending reforms mark the 4th effort to reorganize the Italian betting market, as previous efforts were stymied by political infighting in the middle of consecutive government fallouts in the past 20 years.

The draft law recommends that the federal government will continue to use a design based upon state concession and police authorisation. Of value for incumbents, the federal government and areas will jointly look for a service for regional laws for betting places

The reform states that retail gaming outlets should abide by particular opening times and preserve a minimum range - differing from 200 to 500 meters depending upon regional laws - from sensitive areas like schools and medical facilities. A single, uniform range valid across the country, in addition to the concentration of video gaming operations in safe, regulated venues, constitutes the basis of the reform.

These procedures are planned to an already strong market, recognised as the 2nd largest in Europe - and basic to upgrading defenses on issue bettors.

Long-awaited securities consist of caps on stakes and winnings, necessary training for concessionaires, dealers, and operators, enhancing self-exclusion mechanisms, defining minimum characteristics for gambling locations, and restricting banking on minor sports competitors.

In line with the Stability Law of 2022, online gaming, machines, wagering, and bingo concessions have actually been extended until December 31, 2024.

Despite the lockdown effect on video gaming outlets in 2020 and 2021, the Italian market continues to grow. In 2022, gross gaming profits (GGR) saw a 31% boost to EUR19.6 bn, while tax profits rose by 28% to EUR11.2 bn.

The market has revealed strong support for the general reform, seeking stability for its businesses. The remainder of 2023 will show whether the Italian government is major in settling long-standing betting problems.