The Italian Senate today voted through the Balduzzi Decree which will introduce restrictions on gambling advertising from 1 January 2013, passing the new regulations into law.
The Decree, named after Italian Minister of Health Renato Balduzzi who introduced the package of measures, was passed by 181 votes in favour, with 43 voting against and 23 abstentions.
Articles 5 and 7 of Decree-Law No 158 will introduce restrictions on the advertising of games across the media - including print, TV, cinema, radio and the internet - with the aim of providing increased protection for children and vulnerable people. Operators will also be required to more clearly state the probability of winning/payout of the games they offer, as well as the possible risks associated with gambling. Physical gaming establishments will also be progressively relocated away from “sensitive places” such as schools, hospitals and places of worship.
The Italian Senate was presented with some 200 proposed amendments introduced during the committee stage, including those from Senator Api Emanuela Baio to establish a special fund dedicated to the treatment of problem gambling, to be financed by a share of 0.5% of total gaming revenue. The Democratic Party also called for the reintroduction of a minimum distance of 500 metres between gambling equipment and “sensitive places”.
Baio however said in the Chamber during discussion of the new law today that she hoped, with the final approval of the measures put before the Senate, “we have embarked on a path to a proper regulation of gambling.” Baio’s proposal to establish a dedicated source of funding for the prevention, treatment and rehabilitation of problem gamblers, possibly by raising the tax levy, was however rejected by the Budget Committee.
Italian-licensed online gambling operators now have until 1 January 2013 to bring their advertising and websites into compliance with the new regulations.
