In an exclusive interview with Agimeg, the leading Italian press agency dedicated to the public gaming sector, Attorney Stefano Sbordoni, one of the leading experts in the field, analyzed the current situation and future prospects for the sector. “The Italian regulatory framework,” stated the renowned Roman lawyer, “has undergone profound transformations over the last decade, attempting to balance two fundamental needs: on the one hand, consumer protection and the fight against problem gambling, and on the other, the need to ensure an efficient regulated market. The fragmentation of powers between the state and the regions has created several critical issues that need to be addressed through a comprehensive law reorganizing the sector.” According to Attorney Sbordoni, “Operators find themselves having to manage a particularly complex environment, characterized by a layered set of regulations that often generates uncertainties in interpretation. The main challenge is to reconcile increasingly stringent regulatory requirements with the economic sustainability of the business. Added to this is the need to implement increasingly sophisticated systems to combat illegal gambling and protect problem gamblers.”
The issue of the distance of gaming outlets from sensitive locations remains at the heart of the debate. According to Attorney Sbordoni, “it represents one of the most delicate aspects of territorial regulation. A balance must be found between the legitimate demands of social protection and the survival of the legal sales network. One solution could be to define uniform criteria at the national level, leaving municipalities the option of adjusting the requirements based on specific local circumstances, but within a uniform framework.” Regarding the issue of initiatives to improve public perception of the sector, the renowned lawyer believes, “It is essential to continue on the path of transparency and social responsibility. Operators must increasingly invest in responsible gaming programs and communication initiatives that highlight the role of public gaming as a safeguard of legality. Operator training and player awareness are key elements in building a mature and socially sustainable sector.”
Regarding the question of how technology can help prevent problem gambling, Attorney Sbordoni stated that “New technologies offer increasingly sophisticated tools for monitoring gambling behavior and identifying problematic patterns early. The use of artificial intelligence algorithms, combined with self-limitation and self-exclusion systems, can help create a safer gaming environment. It is important, however, that these tools be implemented in compliance with player privacy and personal data protection regulations.”
His forecasts for the future of the public gaming sector as a whole are optimistic, as “The public gaming sector will continue to evolve towards greater integration between physical and digital channels. The challenge will be to accompany this transformation with a clear and stable regulatory framework that ensures the sustainability of the system as a whole. Strengthening international cooperation to combat illegal gambling and ensure common player protection standards at the European level will also be crucial.” Regarding the future prospects of online gaming in Italy in particular, Sbordoni emphasized that “The online segment is undoubtedly one of the most dynamic and growing sectors in the market. Technological advances and changes in consumer habits are driving a progressive digitalization of the offering. However, it is essential that this transition be carried out in compliance with the principles of player protection and the fight against criminal infiltration. New technologies, such as blockchain and artificial intelligence, can offer important tools to ensure the traceability of transactions and prevent problematic behavior.” “My recommendation,” the well-known lawyer concluded, “is to continue investing in innovation and social responsibility, always keeping the goal of offering safe and regulated entertainment at the core. The ability to anticipate regulatory and technological changes and adapt business models accordingly will be crucial to future success.”