WAAG: Italy: Overview
The Italian online caisno gambling market is quite unique in Europe because the
country is only just in the stages of full legalization of various sectors of
the gambling industry. The European market is in a state of flux right now as
the European Commission attempts to force EU member-states to open protectionist
regulations where the internet gambling industry is concerned. This is where
Italy currently resides; the nation allows some licensed sectors of the internet
gambling industry but still occasionally runs a fine line between protectionist
policies and an inclusive online gambling market.
In the same vein as France though, Italy has taken to the idea of allowing
licensed foreign online casinos access to the industry. The Italian government
has staged a gradual introduction of the new gambling sectors into the market.
Internet betting is alive and flourishing in Italy and there are several
licensed betting operators benefiting from access to the Italian internet
betting market. Internet poker has just been introduced legally and fully into
Italy this year and several major international gambling brands were granted a
license to market to and accept Italian online poker gamblers.
The online casinos are the only sectors of the industry that are still excluded
from the Italian market right now. There is no timeline for when the government
will plan to introduce this form of internet gambling but several of the major
brands that are currently in the Italian market are hoping for more broad access
to the full range of interested Italian gamblers. |