The statement from the European Commissioner Elżbieta Bieńkowska on the need to waive unjustified and discriminatory restrictions on online gaming might open a new page on liberalization of the sector within the European Union.
2016 will be a year leading to considerable changes in the Italian gaming market. The award of new online gaming and betting shop licenses together with the consolidation among operators might cause a relevant reshuffling of the market positions.
Sportsbetting full liberalization is getting closer with the publication by the Italian gaming regulator of the updated draft protocol of communication (PSQF) which has the purpose of getting rid of the official list of bets and events soon.
The Italian gaming market will remember this Wednesday for the very large number of companies, shops and individuals subject of actions taken by Italian police authorities.
A potential gaming advertising ban is contained in the last draft of Italian gambling law, but there is no doubt that it will trigger legal challenges if approved.
Italian law allowing the international poker liquidity sharing might be a major step for the gaming market where poker is facing a considerable decline.
The interim claim on the € 500 million video lottery fee has been rejected by Italian courts raising the question on whether the € 200 million payment due at the end of April shall be paid.
New casinos might be established in Italy creating new opportunities also for private investors in a country where at the moment there are only 4 casinos.
