AGSI's Chiacchio urges bridge measures to sustain Italy's land-based network

Pasquale Chiacchio, president of AGSI, called for immediate bridge measures for amusement machines, horse racing and sports betting so that retail outlets can keep operating until new tenders are held, according to an interview. Chiacchio said the land-based network is losing ground to online gambling, which offers round-the-clock play and a broader product range.

Chiacchio said the three sectors cannot wait three years and that bridge measures must be adopted as soon as possible. He said outlets face distance limits, closing hours, authorisation requirements and other restrictions, and that costs are rising while revenue falls. He said this carries the risk of business closures, job losses and lower tax revenue, and that a smaller legal network creates more space for the illegal market.

Chiacchio said the transitional period before new concessions should be used to introduce new products to bring customers back to outlets. He cited the experimental introduction of sports betting at horse racing agencies in 1998 and 1999 as an example of how the product range can be adjusted to support businesses.

Chiacchio said trained staff at retail outlets can help identify vulnerable customers and discourage potentially problematic play, and that this role should be recognised in future regulation. He also proposed a balanced national distribution of outlets, saying some areas have too many points of sale and others almost none.

AGSI proposed opening a discussion with associations, institutions and political representatives to draft the rules for the next tenders. Chiacchio said the next tender should allow small, medium and large companies to take part, and suggested using the consultation process for the Campania regional law, which AGSI contributed to, as a reference.