In Italy, after in late June having submitted the final draft of its ‘Dignity Decree’ (Decreto dignità), in a 155 to 125 vote on August 7, the Italian Parliament approved the new gambling advertising and sponsorship ban.
According to the report…
The ban will be effective from the 1st of the year. However, companies engaged in contractual obligations that exceed that date will reportedly be granted a six-month grace period through June 30, 2019 in which to satisfy them.
Attempt to rein in the sector:
Under the 29-page long piece of legislation [Dignity Decree], advertising of gambling services and products on the Internet, TV and radio will be illegal. Also, to be banned are sports sponsorships with gaming companies. An exception will be the national lottery run by the state.
First proposed in the latter part of June, the new gambling advertising and sponsorship ban is a part of the country’s new coalition government, Deputy Prime Minister and leader of anti-establishment party, Five Star Movement, Luigi Di Maio’s, Dignity Decree.
Following the vote, the prime Minister reportedly said…
“This is the first decree for decades that hasn’t been dictated by lobbies and vested interests. Finally ordinary people have scored a point.”
Dilemma for companies:
The report goes on to communicate that in July, Di Maio communicated to Italian media outlet, Il Fatto Quotidiano, that all advertising contracts promoting gambling that were entered into “between the approval of the Dignity Decree in the Council of Ministers and its publication will not be valid.”
The declaration by the Prime Minister a dilemma for gambling companies such as Betway.
Last month, the global online gambling company agreed a three-year deal to become a premium partner of AS Roma. The deal includes having the online bookmaker’s branding carried on the club’s training kit up to and including the 2020/21 season, along with access to wider advertising at the club.
Social media comply:
Late last month, Facebook began informing Italy-facing operators and businesses advertising gambling services that its policies have been changed to prohibit such activities targeting Italy.
The move by Facebook mirrored one by Google the week prior.
Real Money Gambling falls under ‘Restricted Content’ on Facebook’s advertising policies, which states…
“Ads that promote or facilitate online real money gambling, real money games of skill or real money lotteries, including online real money casino, sports books, bingo, or poker, are only allowed with prior written permission. Authorized gambling, games of skill or lottery ads must target people 18 years or older who are in jurisdictions for which permission has been granted.”
