The online gambling industry is gaining popularity globally: many states have already implemented appropriate legislation to regulate casinos and sportsbooks. Italy is among the countries where this entertainment is allowed, but players and operators face multiple restrictions. Appropriate regulations are required to control users and casinos, avoid fraudulent activities, and reduce gambling addiction rates. Agenzia delle dogane e dei Monopoli (ADM) is the main body controlling the gambling sector in Italy.
The Role and Responsibilities of ADM
Gambling has been widespread in Italy for centuries: even Ancient Romans played dice games. Moreover, Italy boasts the oldest land-based casino in the world – Il Ridotto in Venice has been operating since 1638. However, the industry wasn’t regulated until 2006, when the first legislation was approved. By the way, Italy was the first country in the EU to regulate gambling activities.
Allowed and Prohibited Gambling Types
The first document released in 2006 legalized some gambling activities; until then, casinos were completely banned. It allowed online operators to work legally in Italy, but they still faced numerous restrictions concerning allowed products. Real-money skilled games and betting have not been banned since 2006. The Finance Act 2007 brought several amendments to the gambling industry, allowing card games. However, they could only be played in a form of tournament.
This amendment gave a green light for operators providing such games like Texas Hold’em; it’s considered that skills are essential when playing it. However, video slots were banned as they depend solely on the gambler’s luck. Later in 2011, the authority initiated more changes to the regulations. Since then, in Italy, skill games, sports betting, casino games, bingo, lotteries, and poker tournaments are allowed.
ADM Duties in the Italian Gambling Market
Controlling gambling activities is only ADM’s duty among many other responsibilities. However, the authority plays an important role in developing top casino sites listed on Italian Casino Deps and sportsbooks in the country and promoting healthy gambling behaviors. Here are some important actions ADM performs:
- Supervising the entire gambling industry in the country
- Fighting against illegal operators & scammers
- Preventing money laundering through online casinos
- Ensuring casinos follow the responsible gambling policy
AAMS is another responsible body operating under the control of ADM. The authority issues licensing to Italian gambling operators and controls compliance with regulations in the country. Violations of these laws can block casino websites completely and apply fines.
Ensuring Fair Play and Player Protection
Data safety is the key priority for modern casino players and operators themselves. ADM thoroughly controls activities in the gambling market, ensuring users get a secure environment. However, many casinos still operate illegally and conduct fraudulent activities. AAMS and AMD thoroughly monitor all gambling businesses and ensure they provide customers with secure and transparent services.
In line with customer protection, ADM pays special attention to AML policy. It implies a set of measures preventing money laundering and funding terrorist activities through online gambling establishments. AAMS authority obliges operators to implement KYC policy, implying a mandatory user verification. It allows collecting information about the platform’s members and ensuring they don’t proceed with fraudulent activities. Such requirements are essential for the modern online gambling markets in different countries, and Italy is no exception.
At the same time, casinos and sportsbooks have to use strict data protection mechanisms to guarantee that customers’ personal and banking details won’t be reached by any third parties. AMD controls complying with all these rules and penalizes operators in case of any violations.
Impact on the Online Casino Industry
AAMS is the only licensing body operating under the control of AMD, which regulates all gambling activities within the country. This has led the industry to an entirely new level: players can enjoy their favorite entertainment legally, while online casinos can provide reliable and secure conditions to their members. However, it has created additional challenges for gambling operators applying for the AAMS licensing. They must comply with several requirements, including:
- Confirmation of residence in one of the EU states
- The company’s turnover should exceed €1,5 million
- Proving the security and reliability of services
Operators must also pay a €300,000 entry fee, making the AAMS licensing one of the most expensive globally. Acquiring this certification is quite difficult for gambling companies; but ultimately, they can operate legally within the country and provide transparent services for Italian residents. Most modern players would rather choose reliable online casinos, double-checking their reputation, so licencing is a must-have for operators.
Future Trends and Conclusion
If before only Italian online casinos operating under the AAMS license were allowed, now players can take advantage of gambling establishments with an overseas certification. This creates additional competition for domestic gaming houses, offering their services to residents of Italy. AMD provides strict legislation on gambling activities, and it’s challenging for operators to comply with all rules. On the other hand, the latest changes in the AMD policy expanded the range of games and services allowed in the country, which is beneficial for players.
On the other hand, members of AAMS casinos are still restricted from using cryptocurrencies for online gambling. This ban was initiated to track the money easily and avoid tax violations. No updates in legislation are predicted at the moment. However, we will see what the future holds for risk fans. Gambling is popular in Italy, and the sector is developing quickly, so we will definitely see plenty of innovations. ADM still controls the industry within the country, but the increased presence of operators with overseas licenses completely changes the casino landscape.