Last Updated on 2023/02/28
Gambling has been a part of Italian culture for centuries. The country’s love for betting can be traced back to ancient times when Romans used to bet on gladiatorial games and chariot races. However, the Italian government has taken a more cautious approach to the gambling industry in recent years, particularly in the online casino sector. So, how do Italian online casino regulations compare to those in the US?
A Brief History of Gambling in Italy
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Gambling was legal in Italy up until the early 20th century. However, it was banned by the fascist regime in 1922, and it wasn’t until 1947 that the country started to regulate the gambling industry again. In the following years, the government introduced various laws and regulations to control the gambling industry, including the establishment of a national lottery in 1950.
The Italian Gambling License
In Italy, the gambling industry is regulated by the Agenzia delle Dogane e dei Monopoli (ADM). The ADM issues licenses to operators that wish to offer gambling services in the country. To be granted a license, operators must meet strict criteria, including demonstrating that they have the financial resources and technical capabilities to operate a gambling platform, ensuring that their games are fair, and complying with anti-money laundering regulations.
The Legality of Online Gambling in Italy
In 2006, Italy passed a law that allowed online gambling to be legalized in the country. However, it wasn’t until 2010 that the first online gambling licenses were granted by the ADM. Since then, the online gambling market in Italy has grown considerably, with a range of operators offering a wide variety of games, including slots, table games, and live dealer games. Sports betting has also been legal in Italy ever since 2006.
In terms of player protection, Italian online casinos must adhere to strict regulations, including providing responsible gambling tools such as deposit limits, self-exclusion options, and age verification measures. Furthermore, the ADM monitors operators to ensure that they are complying with these regulations.
Online Casino Regulations in Italy and US
In the United States, online gambling is regulated on a state-by-state basis. As of 2022, there are six states that have legalized online casinos, including New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, West Virginia, Delaware, and Nevada. Caesars Casino is one of the biggest players in the market, with a presence in all six states that have legalized online casinos. Caesars Casino players will now have access to some great PlayAGS slot titles. You can check out this Caesars review if you want to learn more about this establishment.
Similar to Italy, operators must obtain a license to offer online gambling services in the US. However, the requirements vary from state to state. For example, in New Jersey, operators must partner with a land-based casino to offer online gambling, while in Pennsylvania, operators can apply for an online gambling license independently. New Jersey legalized sports betting in 2018, 12 years after Italy, thanks to contributions from Raymond Lesniak.
The regulations regarding player protection also vary from state to state. However, all states require operators to provide responsible gambling tools, such as deposit limits and self-exclusion options.
Conclusion
Overall, both Italy and the US have taken a cautious approach to regulate the online gambling industry. While Italy has a national regulatory body that oversees the industry, the US regulates online gambling on a state-by-state basis. However, both countries require operators to meet strict criteria to obtain a license and comply with regulations to protect players.
