Italy : Gambling : Italian regulator now playing it by the book

It appears from European news reports that the Italian online gambling regulator AAMS has learned its lesson following delays in the implementation of regulations governing online casino and poker cash games caused by non-compliance with European Commission vetting requirements.

The regulator had to put a hold on its new regulatory proposals after the giant Italian firm Microgame launched litigation challenging the manner in which the changes were submitted to the EC.

AAMS is reportedly now showering the Brussels bureaucrats with voluminous documentation on every law and licence issue in which it is engaged, seeking approval before moving forward. The regulator is working within a three month standstill period required before new laws can be implemented, which means that cash games are unlikely to see the light of day until much later this year.

The material submitted includes new concepts such as a Carta dei Servizi designed to bring regulator, players and operators together in a commonly accepted service agreement in which defined minimum standards are guaranteed, and punitive measures for non-compliance are laid down. The penalty provisions of the carta are powered through a points system whereby operators who fall below a predetermined number of points can be deprived of licensing.

The AAMS has used its website to publicise its proposed changes and decrees as submitted to the EC.

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