MORE DETAIL ON ITALIAN ONLINE GAMBLING REGULATION (Update)

(552) (29-September-2006)

Open invitation to online gambling operators to apply for Italian government license

Further details have now emerged on the remarkable about-face regarding the regulation rather than prohibition of online gambling in Italy (see earlier InfoPowa reports)

Media reports indicate that the Italian government has invited tenders from private online gaming operators who wish to be considered for a betting licence giving them open access to the Italian market from 1 January 2007. 

The Amministrazione Autonoma dei Monopoli di Stato (AAMS) will regulate all the companies operating "horseraces/sports-based public games through the activation of a distribution network", the documents advised. Licences will relate to sports betting and "remote skill games and such further public games either horseraces-based or of other nature."

Legal experts told the media that the AAMS has published a list of areas which will be opened up to private operators. It has been called a "mini-liberalisation" of some significance because traditionally Italy has been conservative in its approach to gambling regulations.