EGBA Calls for Revising Italy's Gambling Advertising Ban

A recent report published by the Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport estimates that approximately €18.50 billion is wagered with unlicensed gambling sites every year in Italy, constituting 75% of all black market bets in the country. EGBA calculates that this results in an annual loss of nearly €1.00 billion in gross gaming revenue. To put this into perspective, it equals the combined regulated online gambling revenue of eight other European Union (EU) countries.

Italy's Customs and Monopolies Agency (ADM) has been taking action against unlicensed sites this year, blocking over 9,800 such sites, which is 400 more than in the entirety of 2022. However, EGBA remains concerned about the significant number of Italian players using unlicensed sites, particularly those located outside the EU, as they lack consumer protection measures, exposing players to higher risks.

EGBA suggests that revising Italy's blanket ban on gambling advertising could be a step in the right direction to reduce black market rates. Currently, Italy prohibits all forms of gambling advertisements. EGBA argues that the lack of awareness about approved operators may contribute to high black market gambling rates.

Maarten Haijer, the secretary-general of EGBA, stated, "The country’s ban on advertising for licensed gambling operators is clearly favoring the black market. Without a sufficient level of advertising, there is no real way for Italians to tell the difference between a gambling website licensed in Italy – and applying the country’s consumer protection rules – and one that is not."

The report's release coincides with a crisis in Italy's national football team, where several players are facing charges related to betting. Juventus footballer Nicolò Fagioli recently received a seven-month suspension for betting on football with an unlicensed gambling site. This incident has brought to light the strict rules enforced by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), which can result in bans of up to three years for athletes found betting on the sport.

Sandro Tonali of Newcastle United and Nicolo Zaniolo of Aston Villa, both part of the Italian national team, are also under investigation for illegal betting activity and have been withdrawn from national team selection. Newcastle United has stated that Sandro Tonali is cooperating with the investigation and is receiving full support from the club.