Italian Football's Top League, Serie A, Pushes for Lifting Ban on Sponsorship Ties with Gambling Companies
Taking a Fresh Look at Italy's Controversial Gambling Ad Ban
Italy's 2018 decision to ban gambling advertising stirred up quite a fuss, and now, it's making headlines once more. Critics argue that this move has led to less money being channeled in the European country, with estimates suggesting that Italy's black-market gambling industry is a whopping $26bn annually[1].
However, the ban could soon be a thing of the past. Recent debates at the Palazzo by The Chamber of Deputies have been taking place due to mounting pressure to overturn the Dignity Decree of 2018[2]. In fact, the Senate endorsed a resolution on March 5, allowing the Chamber to discuss the issue[2].
Somerset, the football king, takes a seat at the table
For changes to materialize, the government needs to agree on amendments to the laws. Negotiations are currently underway to determine the nature of these amendments, and Serie A President Ezio Simonelli is right there, ready to dish out his input[2].
Professional soccer clubs competing in Italy's top league haven't been shy about voicing their disapproval for the initial ban. Since its introduction in 2018, the ban is thought to have cost Italian soccer about €100m ($109m) each year[3].
Teams like AC Milano and Roma have reported a combined income loss of €350m ($380m) for the 2023/2024 season[3]. Issues like these sit at the top of Simonelli's to-do list, who only recently replaced his predecessor Lorenzo Casini in December.
There isn't a timeline yet for presenting the first draft of the new legislation, known as the Gambling Sponsorship Decree. But we're keeping our eyes peeled and ears open.
A quick peek under the hood:The current status of changes to Italy's gambling advertising ban is in flux. initially prohibiting gambling advertising, including sports sponsorships, social media influencers, and targeted ads on TV, radio, and online platforms[4][5]. However, discussions about revising these restrictions are in the air. For example, AGCOM, Italy's communications authority, has been part of talks regarding potential revisions to advertising bans during the Italian Gaming Expo 2025[2]. There's even a chance that Italy might lift its betting sponsorship ban, which could imply a shift in the regulatory stance[4].
The potential changes to the gambling advertising ban could significantly impact Serie A teams' financial situation. At present, Serie A teams face financial strife due to the ban on gambling sponsorships and advertising, which are vital revenue streams for many clubs[6]. If the ban is lifted or revised, teams could potentially profit from increased opportunities for gambling sponsorships, which might help alleviate their financial woes.
In any event, alterations would need to balance financial gains with ongoing concerns about gambling harm and public opinion. The Italian government's initial rationale for the ban was to protect families and individuals from gambling harm[5]. Consequently, any revisions would likely involve strict regulations on advertising content and targeting to ensure that the financial benefits don't lead to a surge in gambling-related issues.
- The proposed revisions to Italy's gambling advertising ban could potentially boost Serie A teams' finances, with estimates suggesting that the lifting of the ban could generate approximately €100m ($109m) each year for Italian soccer.
- The Italian government, in discussions to amend the gambling advertising regulations, might have to face the delicate balance of maximizing financial gains while addressing ongoing concerns about gambling harm and public opinion.
