Published: August 27, 2024 | Author: Ron Clarke
The Agenzia delle Dogane e dei Monopoli (ADM), Italy’s government agency responsible for regulating and overseeing customs and monopolies, including the gaming sector, has just released its 2023 financial statement, offering a comprehensive overview of the agency’s activities, including detailed data on Italy’s gaming sector. The ADM report highlights the sector’s performance, ADM’S regulatory efforts, and the ongoing fight against illegal gaming.
The 2023 financial statement reveals that the gaming sector in Italy generated an impressive €11.6 billion in revenue, marking a slight increase from the €11.2 billion recorded in 2022. The total gaming volume for 2023 reached a staggering €147.71 billion, reflecting an 8.52% increase compared to the previous year. This figure represents the total amount of money wagered by players across all forms of legal gaming in Italy, including online and land-based activities. It encompasses the sum of all bets placed, regardless of whether the money was won or lost by the players.
These figures highlight the growing popularity of gaming in Italy, with more consumers engaging in both online and land-based gaming activities. They also underscore the resilience and continued appeal of the gaming industry, even as it faces challenges from regulatory changes and the ongoing battle against illegal gaming operations.
One of the standout achievements of ADM in 2023 was its intensified efforts to combat illegal gaming. The agency successfully blocked 492 illegal gaming websites, more than doubling its initial target of 210. This achievement is part of a broader strategy to clamp down on unauthorized gaming activities that threaten the integrity of the market and the safety of consumers.
In addition to online enforcement, ADM conducted 2,577 inspections of betting shops, Bingo halls, and Video Lottery Terminals (VLTs) out of the 6,964 registered establishments across Italy. This rigorous oversight resulted in a control index of 36.9%, exceeding the planned target of 30%. The control index represents the proportion of total establishments inspected by ADM, reflecting the thoroughness of their regulatory efforts within the sector. ADM also performed 20 audits of online gaming platforms and VLT systems, surpassing the expected 16, further ensuring that these platforms adhere to strict regulatory standards.
ADM’s strategic initiatives also include supporting the Ministry of Economy and Finance in developing new regulations to rationalize and secure Italy’s public gaming network, particularly in the rapidly expanding online sector. These efforts aim to mitigate the risks associated with pathological gaming and to increase the efficiency and control of legal gaming activities.
In 2023, 35 gaming establishments were suspended for violations related to the prohibition of gaming for minors. This action is part of ADM’s broader initiative to enhance the safety and security of Italy’s public gaming network.
For those interested in the dynamics of Italy’s gaming market, ADM’s financial statement is a must-read, offering valuable information that reflects both the successes and challenges of the past year. As we move forward into 2024, ADM’s continued vigilance and strategic initiatives will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the future of gaming in Italy.