Italian online poker declines

Italian online poker market perceived a 2.9 percent decline last month before shared liquidity approval.

Italy.- Before shared liquidity approval at international level last month, the online poker sector in Italy reported a decline of 2.9 percent during July’s operations. Authorities are already preparing new conditions to improve the financial system and regulating process to participate in local online poker market, which would share liquidity with Spain, France and Portugal.

According to Casino Daily News, the Italian market experienced a tough July, as operators generated US$6 million, which represents a drop of 2.9 percent. However, the land-based poker competitions reported better results, as the sector has achieved a growth of 22.9 percent to US$6.9 million.

Regulators have largely accepted the evidence that shows that countries collect less tax when online poker is segregated. Furthermore, they have also begun to promote changes that channel a higher percentage of the population toward the regulated market and away from black market operators.

Under a shared market, European authorities would establish common legislations to regulate tax and licensing conditions, among other relevant legal and economic issues. Spain, Italy, France and Portugal signed the agreement last month in Rome.