Advertising regs for Italian operators

New Italian gambling advertising regulations that apply to the land-based and online sectors were published in the Official Gazette and will be adopted by Italy’s gambling regulator AAMS.

The regulations which will apply as of January 1, 2013 are based on the “Balduzzi Decree”, authored and introduced by Italian Health Minister Renato Balduzzi.

As the regulations are broad in description, further clarification is expected from AAMS in the lead up to its initiation. According to TechLaw, the decree will come into force shortly but will be ratified, and potentially amended, by Parliament in the next 60 days.

Key points in the regulations include:

– Gambling advertising banned in “television or radio broadcasting and theater and film designed primarily for young people.”

– Prohibiting gambling advertising on the press, TV, radio and the Internet that can “create an incentive to the gambling activity or to exalt games”, shows minors, is contained in TV or other programs dedicated to young people.

– Must adequately inform players of the risks associated with gambling and the percentage of pay-out.

Errant operators risk fines of up to Euro 500 000.