Stake Italy calls for joint responsible-gambling campaigns in Italy

Fabio Angeli Bufalini, national director of Stake Italy, spoke at Sigma World in Rome on a panel about the new online gambling regime in Italy one year on. He called for a common approach with ADM and the health ministry on joint campaigns that are not left to a single operator. Bufalini said Stake Italy is investing in a campaign that communicates responsible gambling rather than customer acquisition. He said that without a joint approach the campaigns amount to marketing and are seen as hypocritical by consumers.

On the online rules, Bufalini said they satisfy Stake as a group. He said the reduction in the number of companies gives more opportunity and credibility to an operator wanting to enter the market. He added that concessionaires need to be protected so they can do their work. Bufalini said Stake is one of the few multinationals to have entered the Italian market through the new tender. He said the Italian market is seen as fundamental to the company's global strategy. Bufalini described the past year as one of transition and said the real implementation of the new rules has not yet been seen. He said the effects will be seen in the near future.

Bufalini said the product will determine whether an operator can emerge in the market. He said the rules are important and correct but make the product less attractive than the unregulated market. He said ADM is making a major effort to block domains, although the process takes a long time. He also said the social media sphere is growing quickly and needs to be regulated.

Bufalini also addressed the infotainment consultation launched by AGCOM. He said Stake Italy will propose changes to what has been proposed. He said it is important that concessionaires are left able to do their work.