Palermo’s fourth court section convicted nine people in a case involving an illegal betting operation, with sentences ranging from two to six years, according to the report. The court acquitted three other defendants; the case followed a 2020 financial police investigation into alleged mafia interests in betting.
The convictions and acquittals affect enforcement risks for betting businesses linked to the case.
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Rome’s Court of Appeal acquitted a betting data-centre operator on 30 May 2026, ruling that the offence was not established. The case concerned a centre linked to a Maltese bookmaker without an ADM concession; the court said the evidence did not show that the operator accepted individual bets or paid winnings. It said proof of intermediation, such as local payout of winnings or sham betting accounts, was required.
Palermo’s Court of Appeal overturned an ADM order concerning computers used to access online gambling platforms. The court held that unrestricted internet access alone does not make a computer a regulated gaming machine; additional structural or functional features are required, according to the report.
The Palermo Court of Appeal ruled that TULPS Article 110(9)(f-quater) does not apply to computers that allow online gaming through an internet connection but lack gaming peripherals. The article provides for penalties of €5,000 to €50,000 per device and closure of the premises.
Sicily’s regional administrative court rejected a bingo operator’s urgent request to suspend a 30-day suspension of its gaming licences in Palermo. The court said a promoted live concert with a stage, amplified sound and an audience could indicate use of the licensed premises for an independent event requiring a separate public-safety licence; it scheduled a full hearing on the interim request.
Police in Palermo investigated two people after administrative checks at betting shops in the Falsomiele district found suspected unauthorised betting collection, according to the police headquarters. The two were investigated while at liberty and also face an allegation of occupying public land unlawfully.