Italy

Navigating the restrictions of the Italian market has proved challenging for operators amid a ban on gambling advertising. However, betting companies have begun to place increased emphasis on consumer engagement and remarketing as ‘media brands’. In July 2019, the Italian communications authority introduced the Dignity Decree which prohibited all sports leagues and clubs from promoting or advertising gambling-related brands. Discussing …

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a surge in the popularity of virtual sports as a betting commodity throughout 2020 and into 2021, as real world competitions moved behind closed doors or were postponed altogether. This has occurred globally, but some national markets in particular have seen a significant spike in virtual sports viewership and associated betting activity. Hosting a …

Genius Sports has secured a major commercial agreement with Microgame SPA, having been appointed as sportsbook data and trading services provider for the Italian online gambling platform this week. Under the terms of the deal, Microgame SPA will move to upgrade its data capacity and trading services with Genius Sports’ official data provisions. The partnership will cover Microgame’s entire portfolio …

Since 2018, Italian betting operators have faced consecutive tax increases, a blanket ban on advertising and sponsorship, alongside tougher compliance controls enforced by regulatory agencies. The SBC Digital Italy Summit began by analysing how Italian operators have navigated a market which has been in a constant state of flux, and whether a further 2021 of political uncertainties will lead to …

Workers of Italy’s embattled gambling sector are ‘united to make their voices heard’ to a new government, demanding that businesses be granted clarity on their prolonged COVID-19 suspensions.  Uniting under the banner of ‘Legal Gaming Workers’, staff of Italian licensed gambling firms will hold joint public protests at Milan’s Piazza del Duomo and Rome’s Piazza del Popolo on 18 February. …

The pandemic has brought about a ‘step change’ in the development of the Italian betting market, said Microgame CEO Marco Castaldo (pictured, left), who believes that operators are now beginning to realise the online growth potential. Speaking ahead of next week’s SBC Digital Italy, he explained why those operators who can differentiate the overall user experience by specific player segments …

CIS bookmaker Fonbet has become the official partner of Serie A club AC Milan for Russian and CIS markets. Fonbet will become AC Milan’s ‘Official Sports Betting Partner’ and, as a result, its brand will be visible in Russia and the CIS during the Rossoneri’s Serie A home games as well as on the club website. According to a statement released by AC Milan, …