Italy’s AGCOM has intensified oversight of the gambling advertising ban under the Dignity Decree, which has been in force since 2019. The authority has imposed sanctions, including penalties described as reaching hundreds of thousands, while reviewing the rules.
Operators and suppliers face increased scrutiny of compliance with Italy’s gambling advertising ban.
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Italy's Constitutional Court upheld the Decreto Dignità ban on gambling advertising in ruling 172/2026, filed on 20 October, according to a Codici statement. The court kept the €50,000 minimum penalty but allowed AGCOM to impose less where the fine is manifestly disproportionate. The case arose from a €157,000 sanction on a 28-year-old who earned about €1,000 from promotional videos.
Italy's Constitutional Court has upheld the Decreto Dignità ban on gambling advertising in ruling 172/2026, filed on 20 October, according to a statement by the association Codici. The court confirmed the general prohibition on direct and indirect promotion of gambling, Codici said.
Simone Franchi of Confindustria Radio Tv Locali said at a Milan Digital Week panel that Italy’s gambling advertising ban removed a whole category of revenue from local broadcasters. He said fear of sanctions can also deter stations from airing some communications that remain permitted, while local media could contribute to information and prevention efforts.
Umberto Calcagno, president of the Italian footballers’ association AIC, told a Senate hearing that the betting-advertising ban had cost Serie A about €100m in sponsorships. He argued that betting-related messaging remains visible around matches and said the association discusses gambling risks with professional teams. Calcagno also described concern about gambling among people aged 18 to 35.
Codacons announced it has filed a complaint with AGCOM, Italy's communications authority, seeking an investigation into Andrea Pirlo's position regarding the ban on gambling advertising. The consumer group also said it would appeal to the Lazio regional administrative court (TAR Lazio) if Pirlo is appointed Italy head coach.
Italy’s AGCOM annual report for 2026 discusses the gambling advertising ban and a Lazio administrative court order dated 29 July 2025 referring the minimum sanction to the Constitutional Court. The report says the €50,000 minimum for each violation may prevent penalties from reflecting the circumstances and severity of a case.