Operators really risk a total ban of gambling advertising in Italy. The broad majority of Parliament Members belonging to every parties would welcome today total prohibition of advertising, both for online and offline gambling.
Late July and then late August two almost identical bills had been submitted to the Parliament. Those are both exclusively focused on:
• prohibition of “every form of commercial communication, advertising, direct and indirect sponsorship, promotion of brands and product”, and
• sanction to “the mandatory, any party carrying out the initiative and the provider responsible for the distribution”.
The first bill – more relevant in terms of political clout – had been submitted by a group of deputies and senators belonging to PD, SEL, Scelta Civica and PDL – both governing and opposition parties – and quickly got over 200 supporters in the Parliament. M5S party that systematically pursues measures against gambling is the promoter of the second bill. Also Lega party wants gambling restrictions. In the event of a vote in Parliament it would probably result a plebiscite.
Advertising prohibition and sanction had been separated in those bills from other complex measures for gambling industry reorganisation under discussion to let a faster legislative process. Bills must be evaluated by competent Commissions (Finance, Health and Hygiene, Social Affairs, …), to which had been / will be assigned, that can delay the process. Then it will be scheduled the Parliament vote that could lead to further delay. The contrast to those bills is probably mostly a matter of delay by legislative procedure.
Forces opposing gambling pursue advertising prohibition since 2012. But today also most moderate policy makers seem to withdraw from a regulatory approach and to accept total prohibition.
Furthermore, operators influence capability is weak and they show an incoherent attitude, because their interests differ.
In current Italian scenario it seems difficult online operators – the true victim of advertising prohibition – can protect their business on their own strengths. They could be compelled to apply for the opening of an infringement procedure in the event of the law approval.
