Italian Football's Top League Ramps Up Effort to Lift Betting Advertisement Restrictions
The 2018 Dignity Decree's gamble on banning gambling ads in Italy has been a rollercoaster ride, stirring controversy and debate. Critics see it as a major factor behind Italy's mammoth, around $26bn, illegal gambling market. Yet, this contentious decision might soon be jackpotting its way out, thanks to mounting pressure to repeal the ban.
After the Senate endorsed a resolution on March 5, there's been a lively debate in The Chamber of Deputies at the Palazzo. To pass, the government needs to agree on amendments to the laws. Negotiations are underway, and they've got a heavy hitter at the card table - Serie A President, Ezio Simonelli.
Various soccer clubs playing in Italy's top league have vocalized their displeasure towards the ban since its inception in 2018. The ban is estimated to have set Italian soccer back around €100m ($109m) each year. Serie A teams, like AC Milan and Roma, have reported a combined income decline of €350m ($380m) for the 2023/2024 season. Tackling this financial crisis is one of Simonelli's top priorities, having replaced his predecessor Lorenzo Casini in December.
There's no set timeline for presenting the new Gambling Sponsorship Decree's first draft. However, the European Court of Justice (ECJ) is currently reviewing the case, questioning whether Italy's blanket prohibition on gambling ads, enforced since 2019, conflicts with EU principles like the free movement of services.
Moreover, the ECJ's upcoming ruling, expected in late 2025 or early 2026, could prompt legislative revisions. This ruling might lead to a narrowing of the ban, potentially introducing exceptions for responsible marketing or EU-licensed operators. Post-2026, Italy may adopt amendments aligned with EU standards, allowing for modified sponsorship models like Finland's new framework: moderate marketing with safeguards.
However, any deregulation may be accompanied by increased taxation and compliance requirements, such as ID verification and spending limits. The ultimate outcome depends on the ECJ's interpretation of EU law, potentially impacting cross-border gambling operations across Europe.
- The Serie A President, Ezio Simonelli, is involved in negotiations over amendments to the laws in The Chamber of Deputies at the Palazzo, as he aims to tackle a financial crisis estimated to have set Italian soccer back around €100m each year due to the gambling ad ban.
- AC Milan and Roma, part of Serie A, have reported a combined income decline of €350m for the 2023/2024 season, and since the ban's inception in 2018, various soccer clubs playing in Italy's top league have voiced their displeasure towards this decision.
- The European Court of Justice (ECJ) is currently reviewing the case, questioning the compatibility of Italy's blanket prohibition on gambling ads with EU principles like the free movement of services. The ECJ's upcoming ruling, expected in late 2025 or early 2026, could lead to legislative revisions in Italy.
- Any potential deregulation, as a result of the ECJ's ruling, might be accompanied by increased taxation and compliance requirements, such as ID verification and spending limits, potentially impacting cross-border gambling operations across Europe.
