Italy’s Media and Communications Authority, AGCOM, has approved stringent guidelines designed to safeguard minors, adding to the country’s already robust gaming laws. The implementation of an age verification system that is required for any content related to gambling is a significant component of these legislation.
Mandatory Age Verification for Gambling
The new regulations require users to verify their age through Italy’s Public Digital Identity System (SPID) or an equivalent method before accessing gambling platforms. This move ensures that only adults can engage with such content, alongside other restricted services like pornography and certain social media platforms. The system will use a “double anonymity” approach, preventing media providers from storing or tracking age verification data, thus safeguarding user privacy.
These age verification measures form part of a larger set of initiatives under the Caivano Decree, which aims to protect minors from content that could harm their physical, mental, or moral development. The European Commission is currently reviewing these measures to ensure compliance with EU data protection laws.
Restructured Online Gambling Licenses
Alongside these protective measures, the Italian government plans to revamp its online gambling license framework. Expected to be introduced by early 2025, these new licenses will cost €7 million (US$7.5 million) and remain valid for nine years. Importantly, they will be subject to the same stringent age verification rules, ensuring consistent protection across the industry.
With these steps, Italy continues its mission to regulate online gambling more rigorously, aiming to shield minors from the potential harms of gambling while also maintaining privacy for all users.
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