Italian Sports Decree May Pave Way for Gambling Reform

As Italy prepares to host the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, a fresh Sports Decree has been introduced by the Ministry for Sport, allocating millions of euros to support infrastructural developments across the country. While the primary objective of the decree is to bolster sporting infrastructure, its indirect implications for the nation's gambling laws—particularly the ongoing ban on gambling advertising—have reignited public and political debate.

The decree, officially submitted by Italy’s Minister for Sport, Andrea Abodi, and co-signed by the Head of the Department for Sport, Flavio Siniscalchi, lays out a comprehensive roadmap for improving the country’s sports sector. It allocates €64.5 million through the “Sport and Suburbs Fund” to enhance venues, strengthen security, and modernise logistics ahead of the international sporting spectacle in 2026.

Yet the elephant in the room remains untouched: Italy’s Dignity Decree. This restrictive piece of legislation, still in full effect, has banned gambling advertising in virtually all forms since 2018, including sponsorships in sports. As the countdown to the Olympics continues and betting markets surge globally, pressure is mounting on lawmakers to reconsider the ban.

The scope of the Sports Decree

The Sports Decree comprises 24 articles across three chapters, allocating €64.5 million toward the revitalisation of Italy’s sports infrastructure. These funds are earmarked for projects ranging from the upgrading of stadiums to the implementation of anti-match-fixing initiatives and enhanced security systems. Specific sums—up to €1.5 million—have been designated for several municipalities hosting or supporting Olympic activities.

According to the official document, the funds will also cover logistical support for major events, including transportation upgrades, crowd management technologies, and modernised athlete facilities. A critical aim of the funding is to ensure that Italy meets the international standards expected for hosting a modern Olympic Games.

“The Department of Sport will take care of all the necessary steps to implement this decree,” the text reads. “This decree is transmitted to the Court of Auditors via the Budget Office.”

Such statements signal the administrative seriousness with which the Italian government is approaching Olympic preparations. The decree’s structured implementation, financial transparency, and official accountability mechanisms serve to reinforce confidence in Italy’s readiness to host the 2026 Games.

Dignity Decree: a persistent legal barrier

Although the Sports Decree outlines progressive goals for Italy's athletic infrastructure, it notably avoids addressing the country's enduring limitations on gambling-related advertising. The Dignity Decree, enacted in 2018 under the government of then Deputy Prime Minister Luigi Di Maio, effectively prohibited all gambling-related advertising and sponsorships, including those within the realm of professional sports.

This legal stance has had profound consequences on both the gambling industry and Italian sports. Betting operators were forced to withdraw from partnerships with football clubs and other sports entities. In turn, clubs lost valuable sponsorship revenue, a blow felt most severely in the lower divisions where financial resources are already stretched thin.

Though originally intended to curb problem gambling and protect vulnerable consumers, critics argue that the law’s blanket ban has driven more bettors toward unlicensed, black-market platforms. Without brand visibility, regulated operators have found it difficult to retain users or educate them on safe gambling practices.

Reconsidering the ban: shifting public and political attitudes

With mounting financial stakes and growing evidence of unintended consequences, several voices within Parliament have begun advocating for a reassessment of the Dignity Decree. Proponents of reform argue that revising the current legal framework could help redirect consumers from unlicensed platforms to licensed operators, thereby enhancing both consumer protection and tax revenues.

According to those close to the parliamentary discussion, any easing of advertising restrictions would not constitute a wholesale reversal of the Dignity Decree, but rather a calibrated update to align with technological trends and evolving regulatory norms across Europe.

Among these arguments is the consideration of global sports betting trends. During the Paris 2024 Olympics, estimates indicate that more than €11 billion in bets were placed globally. This figure represents a 20% increase over Tokyo 2020 and a 50% increase from Rio 2016, underscoring the rapidly growing popularity of sports betting, particularly during major international events.

Italian policymakers now face a critical question: should the country continue to forgo significant economic opportunities by maintaining its advertising ban, or should it adopt a more nuanced regulatory model?

September 2025: a critical legislative juncture

The next possible opportunity to revise the Dignity Decree will not arise until September 2025, when it is scheduled to be reviewed and potentially resubmitted to Parliament. This timing is crucial, as it would represent the final legislative session with enough lead time to lift or amend the advertising ban ahead of the Milan-Cortina Olympics.

Industry observers note that even a partial lifting of the ban—such as allowing advertising during specific time windows or enabling responsible gambling messaging—could have a meaningful impact on channelisation, revenue, and consumer education.

Furthermore, Italy is also expected to announce significant updates to its online gambling licensing regime around the same period, potentially creating a broader context for regulatory reform.

Licensing reform: rising costs and high expectations

One of the most closely watched developments in Italy’s gambling landscape is the dramatic increase in the cost of online betting licenses. In recent years, the fee for obtaining a remote gambling licence jumped from €200,000 to €7 million, sparking considerable debate.

Despite the steep cost, 46 operators have been shortlisted as eligible to receive the new licences. The increase is thought to reflect not only an effort to limit market saturation but also a broader attempt to attract only well-capitalised, compliant operators.

This move has been interpreted as a signal of the Italian government’s desire to consolidate the sector, reduce the risks associated with smaller or less reliable operators, and generate higher tax revenues from fewer, more robust players.

Still, industry stakeholders warn that these financial barriers might deter new entrants and entrench the dominance of a few established firms, potentially reducing innovation and consumer choice.

Olympic momentum could influence regulation

The approaching Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics places additional pressure on legislators to revisit existing policies. The Olympics represent not only a chance to boost Italy’s global image but also a unique commercial opportunity, especially in sectors like media, hospitality, tourism, and—inevitably—sports betting.

With international attention focused on Italy, some argue that a more open approach to gambling advertising, coupled with strict safeguards and responsible gambling requirements, could yield benefits across the board.

Such a shift, however, would require delicate balancing. Lawmakers must ensure that any relaxation of restrictions does not appear to prioritise commercial interests over public health. Effective regulation, rather than prohibition, has been the preferred approach in several EU countries, including the Netherlands and Denmark, where transparency and enforcement have succeeded in driving consumers away from unlicensed alternatives.

Conclusion

Italy’s Sports Decree, while ostensibly focused on infrastructure and Olympic preparations, has reignited discussions about the future of gambling regulation in the country. The €64.5 million investment underscores the government's commitment to sports development, but it also highlights a growing tension between outdated restrictions and emerging economic realities.

With legislative windows narrowing and the eyes of the world turning toward Milan-Cortina, Italian lawmakers may soon be forced to address whether the current stance on gambling—particularly its advertising ban—still serves the best interests of consumers, athletes, and the national economy.

A carefully considered, legally compliant revision of the Dignity Decree could allow Italy to harmonise its gambling regulations with broader European standards, mitigate black market risks, and responsibly capitalise on the Olympic spotlight.

FAQs

What is the Italian Sports Decree?
The Italian Sports Decree is a legislative initiative aimed at allocating €64.5 million to improve sports infrastructure and logistics ahead of the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.

Does the Sports Decree address gambling laws directly?
No, the decree does not mention gambling laws explicitly, but it has sparked renewed debate about the Dignity Decree and gambling advertising in Italy.

What is the Dignity Decree?
Introduced in 2018, the Dignity Decree prohibits all forms of gambling advertising and sponsorships in Italy, particularly in sports.

Why is there growing pressure to reform the Dignity Decree?
Critics argue the ban pushes bettors toward unlicensed operators and deprives the government and sports bodies of revenue, especially ahead of the 2026 Olympics.

When could the Dignity Decree be reviewed?
The next scheduled parliamentary session to consider amendments to the Dignity Decree is in September 2025.

How much is Italy spending on Olympic preparation through the Sports Decree?
Italy has allocated €64.5 million to modernise sporting infrastructure and ensure the country is ready to host the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Are any changes expected in Italy’s online gambling licenses?
Yes, Italy is set to announce updates to its online gambling licensing regime, with licence costs having risen significantly from €200,000 to €7 million.

How many operators have applied for the new remote gambling licence?
So far, 46 operators have been deemed eligible to receive the new licence despite the increased costs.

Will the Milan-Cortina Olympics influence gambling laws?
The heightened attention on Italy during the Olympics may prompt lawmakers to reconsider gambling restrictions to align with economic and regulatory priorities.

Can gambling ads be reintroduced responsibly?
Potentially, yes. Many experts advocate for a controlled return of gambling ads, tied to responsible gambling campaigns and strict oversight mechanisms.