Italy debates overturning Dignity Decree’s gambling sponsorship ban
The Chamber of Deputies has initiated discussions on whether to amend or repeal the gambling sponsorship ban imposed by the Dignity Decree of 2018.
This follows a March 5 endorsement from the Senate’s Culture Commission, which aims to provide financial relief to Italian football clubs struggling under the restrictions.
Although the Senate’s backing signals momentum for change, it does not yet constitute a legal amendment which the aforementioned clubs are pushing for.
The government must first determine whether to revise or annul the gambling-related regulations introduced under the Dignity Decree.
Initially enacted by the short-lived Lega Nord and 5Star coalition government, these laws have prohibited gambling sponsorships in Italian sports since 2019 which has had a pretty damning effect ever since.
Since the decree’s implementation, Serie A clubs have voiced strong opposition to the ban, citing financial losses of at least €100 million annually.
The knock on effect of this is apparent on the league, which is currently facing a severe funding crisis, with revenue shortfalls of approximately €350 million for the 2023/2024 season.
Club officials argue that the lack of gambling sponsorships has made it difficult to compete with Europe’s top football leagues, which continue to benefit from lucrative advertising deals, thus being able to spend more money in both transfer markets and on facilities.
Discussions are now focused on drafting a “Decree on Gambling Sponsorships,” which would specifically address sponsorship regulations while keeping other gambling advertising restrictions intact.
Leading the negotiations are Deputy Minister of the Economy and Finance Maurizio Leo and Sports Minister Andrea Abodi, who will consult with Serie A league officials, including newly elected President Ezio Simonelli.
To address the financial strain on Italian football, Sports Minister Abodi has proposed a new sponsorship model that includes a “1% betting allocation fee.”
Funds from this fee would be directed toward modernizing stadiums, promoting women’s soccer, and improving grassroots facilities and youth development programs, meaning a positive change would be a certainty.
While the push for revision has gained broad support in the Chamber of Deputies, opposition remains from the 5Star Movement, the Democratic Party (DP), and Catholic associations, who argue against reintroducing gambling sponsorships in sports.
Despite the momentum, the government has not yet set a timeline for drafting the new Gambling Sponsorship Decree.
As negotiations continue, Italian football clubs await a decision that could significantly impact their financial stability and competitiveness in the European market.
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