Google adapts to the Italian gambling ban

The company has altered its policy page and ensured its conformity with the Dignity Decree that bans gambling advertising in Italy.

Italy.- The Dignity Decree Law, which bans gambling advertising in Italy, is soon to receive final approval and that’s why Google has taken notice. The company has already changed its policy page and ensured its conformity with the new legislation that is set to come into force – should nothing change – as of January 1st 2019.

On July 24th, the House of Representatives is expected to give the final nod to the bill that will only allow state lotteries with deferred drawing to run advertisements in the country. The ban includes radio, internet and television ads and also stops gambling companies from sponsoring sports teams.

Italian trade body LOGiCO, which represents online operators, is said to be “perplexed” by the Dignity Decree and said it “(doesn’t believe) the ban can produce positive effects in terms of player protection or reduce, and certainly not eliminate, the risks deriving from an uncontrolled practice of the game itself,”

However, Italian Deputy Prime Minister Luigi Di Maio explained that he doesn’t believe the ban will destroy the gambling industry and that it “will simply be replaced by those of other industries, as was the case when tobacco advertising was banned.”