Here is a simplified breakdown of Legislative Decree No. 41/2024
Italy has introduced significant changes to its online gaming regulations with Legislative Decree no. 41/2024, approved on April 3, 2024. This decree is part of the broader fiscal reform effort mandated by Parliament and aims to reorganise and modernise the gaming sector, emphasising transparency, safety, and player protection. Here’s an overview of the reform and what it means for operators and players alike.
Key Objectives of the Reform
The decree lays out new rules and principles, focusing on:
- Enhancing safety and regulatory oversight in the gaming industry.
- Combatting illegal gaming activities.
- Promoting responsible gaming.
- Implementing a streamlined tender process for issuing online gaming licences.
Licensing and Concessions
- Public Games Management: Only licensed concessionaires, selected through a public tender process, can manage, operate, and collect public games. The existing licences will expire on 31/12/24 therefore this new regime acts as a new licensing window for effective extension of existing licensed operations and an opportunity for new applicants to apply for concessionaire licences.
- Stricter Requirements: Concessionaires must demonstrate experience, technical ability, and reliability to qualify.
- Licence Fees:
- A once-off fee has surged from €250,000 to €7 million.
- Annual fees include 3% of net revenues and an additional 0.2% for campaigns addressing gambling addiction.
Lotto Tender Renewal
- Scheduled for 2025, with a base auction price of €1 billion.
Limitations on Cash Transactions
- Players can only top up gaming accounts in cash up to €100 per week. Larger amounts must be processed via secure electronic payment methods.
Strengthened Player Protections
- Emphasis on preventing underage gambling and problem gambling.
- Measures include:
- Spending Limits: Players can set limits on their spending, playing time, and losses.
- Self-Exclusion Tools: Players can voluntarily block themselves from gaming platforms.
- Warning Systems: Automatic alerts based on risky gaming behaviours.
- Education Campaigns: Increased investments in public awareness about gambling risks and resources for help.
Combatting Illegal Gaming
- Enhanced traceability of financial transactions to prevent money laundering and illicit financing.
- Introduction of stricter sanctions for regulatory violations.
Updated Tender Requirements
- Tender participants must meet a range of conditions, including:
- Being established as a joint-stock company in the European Economic Area.
- Meeting technical, infrastructural, and financial solidity criteria.
- Adopting responsible gaming policies and cybersecurity standards.
- Paying the €7 million once-off fee for each concession.
New Register for Top-Up Sales Points (P.V.R.)
A critical implementation of the reform is the creation of the Register of Top-up Sales Points (P.V.R.), which governs establishments facilitating gaming account top-ups.
- Eligibility for Registration:
- Monopoly retailers authorised for public games.
- Existing P.V.R. operators holding TULPS (Unified Text of Public Security Laws) authorisation.
- Commercial establishments with TULPS authorisation.
- Requirements:
- Businesses must sign agreements with concessionaires for remote game collection.
- Registration is mandatory between November 3–18, 2024, via the Customs and Monopolies Agency portal.
- Latest news: this ADM decree with deadlines for PVR’s to register and adopt new rulings has been suspended by the Administrative Court until February the 12th 2025,
- Registration Fee: €100 per top-up point.
- Identification Plate: Registered businesses must display an identification plate visibly outside their premises.
Why This Reform Matters
For operators, the reform introduces stricter compliance measures but also streamlines the process for obtaining licences and operating legally in Italy’s lucrative gaming market. For players, the changes enhance safety, promote responsible gaming, and reduce exposure to illicit activities. By aligning with these updated regulations, Italy positions itself as a leader in responsible and regulated gaming.
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