Italian sports betting up in February

There was plenty of action in Italy’s sports betting market through February, but operator revenues were unimpressive as Lady Luck smiled on the gamblers in many cases.

Official numbers released by regulator AAMS tell the story; wagering in February 2015 almost doubled y-o-y to a remarkable Euro 227.1 million as punters took advantage of the increased number of betting options now allowed by the regulator….but revenues stayed pretty much the same at Euro 20.2 million as punters scored.

Operators in Italy are hoping that projected changes in the tax laws will create a healthier business for all concerned, according to analyst reports from law firm DLA Piper.

The current turnover-based tax on sports betting, bingo and poker tournament games is reportedly soon to be changed to a 20 percent margin-based tax across all games, whether land or internet based. Among other advantages such a revision will bring is the prediction that it will in general avoid distortions over periods when players are luckier than usual.

DLA Piper reports that the Italian market will soon see the end of the official schedule of bets and events, giving operators full flexibility in the offering of bets, and improved business possibilities.

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