Similar to some countries, the Italians have been seduced by gambling because this kind of entertaining activity is legal and regulated there. In Italy, the history of gambling dates to the period of ancient Rome when the board game Ludus duodecim scriptorum was very attractive among the Roman legionnaires. In addition to that, the Europeans introduced other games making this field well-liked in Italy. The first gambling house was opened in Venice in 1638 but it was penalised by the government in the goal to control the gambling activity there.
Bingo and Baccarat originated in Italy in the 15th century because, at that time, the Italians played the well-known game called ‘Lo Giuoco del Lotto D’Italia’. Today, Milan is the largest gambling city with 10 casinos that include different casino games like slots and variations of table games. Casino de la Vallee – St. Vincent located in Saint-Vincent is the biggest casino in Bel Paese. When it comes to overseeing and regulating gambling in Italy,
Agenzia delle Dogane e dei Monopoli (Authority of Customs and Monopolies) is the first name that comes to mind. This authority is the primary regulatory body for gaming that is responsible for controlling and regulating the gambling companies operating there. What are the key functions of this supervisory body in the gaming industry in this nation?
What is ADM?
Among the EU member states, Italy was the first that regulated, licensed, and legalized online gambling in 2006. In fact, Agenzia delle Dogane e dei Monopoli or ADM is the main regulatory entity that controls and regulates the gambling industry in Italy. You can also check a slot online via NonAAMS.com and see what Italian slot games providers are still without AAMS license.
This is one of the three tax agencies established by legislative decree No. 300 of 30 July 1999. Since 2012, this public authority has legal status and regulatory, administrative, accounting, financial autonomy, and patrimonial. The functional division between the Customs and Monopoly Areas was canceled in April 2018 as the Ministry of Economy and Finance authorized a radical change of the Agency’s functions and organisations.
Therefore, the new regulation came into force on April 26, 2018, that determines the mission of ADM dividing into main four purposes. One of its objectives is to supervise gambling and tobacco because not only do they represent the interests of the treasury through the collection of taxes but they also require higher protection from gambling-related problems.
ADM: General Functions
Apart from regulating the gambling field, ADM is an administration of customs duties and internal taxation of international trade and excise duties by making sure tax assessment, collection and litigation management.
Furthermore, the body has also the role to manage the customs services in order to ensure the European Union Customs Code’s application by applying all the measures relevant to agricultural policy and common commercial approach related to international trade.
Another main duty that the Authority of Customs and Monopolies has to accomplish is the management of the manufactured tobacco products field. This, actually, concerns the collection of excise duties, retail price, and product incomes. The agency supervises and controls the compliance of tobacco products with current National and Community legislation.
Moreover, issued by the Minister of Economic and Financial Affairs, ADM prevents and fights against tax evasion and illicit extra-tax offenses by conducting risk analysis and database management, and carrying out checks. Besides, the body fights against tax evasion by verifying and investigating with the tax and judicial police powers assigned to it by law and via collaboration with other local, national, European Union, and international authorities.
The last ADM’s responsibility is to manage the chemical laboratories by ensuring the balance between costs and benefits which include the provision of specialized services to other entities, individuals, and companies.
ADM: Meaning in the Italian Gambling Sector
The main ADM’s function is to define guidelines for industry development and progression. By controlling and regulating the operators’ behaviour, this powerful entity ensures a responsible and legal gaming environment for consumers. As a matter of fact, this authority controls and regulates the gambling sector in Italy by making sure that the operators apply the policy to operate legally and fight against illegal gambling there. Here are further details about the role and responsibilities of ADM.
First of all, Agenzia delle Dogane e dei Monopoli supervises and controls the gambling sphere in Italy. It ensures that the laws and regulations associated with the gaming sector are applied properly by the operators who operate there. Actually, protecting the citizens’ rights through gambling licensing and regulation is the primary responsibility for ADM.
Agenzia delle Dogane e dei Monopoli oversees the gaming sector by ensuring that the operators are preventing and fighting illegal gambling. By collaborating with the gambling operators, the regulator ensures the fairness and safety of gambling operations. It fights against illegal gaming platforms as well as fraud and money laundering.
ADM issues licences to gambling operators and today, several companies have applied for a license to operate in Italy. Some of these companies have submitted separate applications whereas others have applied for one licence. The regulatory body can levy fines and cancel licences after investigating and prosecuting illegal gaming. Since the unlicensed activities provide negative consequences for both the country and the customers, the regulator fights against these companies that do not offer the same standards of player protection required of licensees. Obviously, it can also impact the tax revenue of the state.
ADM monitors the offer of gaming services. The regulator ensures if the operators provide the services and products expected by the regulator. The operators must offer the most appropriate gaming solution to enable customers to play in a safe gambling environment. This means that when the gambling activities are illegal, Agenzia fights against these illegal activities. For example, licensed operators are prohibited to offer gambling activities that are not regulated by this Italian regulator.
ADM is also responsible for collecting gaming taxes as well as contributing to domestic tax regulation and working to protect consumers from gambling-related problems.
