With the fall of the Conte government in Italy, the antagonistic attitude towards the gaming industry in the country will at least come under some review, say industry observers in the country.

Italy

The Italian industry is awaiting with interest the composition of the new government and therefore its likely attitude towards the industry. The fall of the current government means that its edicts issued 14 months ago against the industry will also fall.

The Italian online publication for the gaming industry, Gioco News, says one of the most sensitive issues for the business is the proposed ban on advertising, or any form of sponsorship of sports event.

The issue of gaming machines is also a key one, says the publication’s editorial columns. The Italian AWP industry is the largest in Europe, with around 400,000 pieces of equipment in operation. Gioco News says the main problem for the industry is the length of time it takes for a new machine to actually reach the market, having to go through so many lengthy processes.

Other plans include the reform of the football pools market that will also come under review with a new government, plus the announcement of a new lottery by the outgoing Conte government - despite its hostility to gambling. Also left hanging by the government’s fall is the issue of online betting. The publication also questions whether the issue of control over gambling locations and their disposition by central or local government will be sorted out.