Italy’s €100 weekly limit on account top-ups through recharge sales points has raised concern in the legal gaming sector, with AGSI representative Guitto warning it could favour illegal gambling. The measure stems from Article 13 of Decree-Law No. 41 of 25 March 2024.
The cap may affect how customers fund online gambling accounts through retail recharge points.
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Italy’s Council of State upheld the €100 weekly limit on cash and non-traceable account top-ups at PVR outlets. The court also maintained the prohibition on withdrawals at these shops but overturned a blanket restriction on internet-connected devices.
A Council of State ruling on Italy's top-up outlets, the PVR shops where players load cash into online gaming accounts, was published around the time of the panel. The court confirmed the ban on withdrawals at PVRs and backed the €100 weekly limit on cash and non-traceable top-ups, which has applied since May. A blanket ban on internet-connected devices in the shops was struck down as disproportionate.
An AGSI representative called on Italian authorities and financial bodies to enable blocks on transactions to unlicensed gambling operators. He cited Article 22 of the online gambling reform law and estimated tax evasion linked to illegal operators at about €30 billion.
AGSI president Pasquale Chiacchio called on Italy's government to enforce action against illegal gambling at a conference in Naples. He said the ADM and law-enforcement agencies should carry out checks, and called for clear rules for legal operators.
Agic warned that delays to Italy’s reform of land-based gambling and restrictions on the location of authorised venues could favour illegal gambling, according to a report. The association called for the reform to be completed and the rules on venue distribution to be revised; the report said the process had stalled after discussions between the government, regions and local authorities.
Brazil’s National Consumer Secretariat will receive weekly reports from the National Advertising Self-Regulation Council on about 700 illegal betting operations identified and taken offline. The reports will include associated advertising information to support oversight and enforcement, Senacon secretary Ricardo Morishita said.