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Google modifies policy to accommodate Italy’s ban of gambling ads
Internet giant Google has adjusted its policies on search results to accommodate the new legislation in Italy that bans gambling advertisements. Google modified its policy page on Monday to make it congruent to Italy’s so-called Dignity Decree and its prohibition on nearly all forms of gambling advertising and sponsorships. Google’s notice reminded operators that, as of July 16, “only state lotteries with deferred drawing will be allowed to run gambling advertisements in Italy.”
While the Decree’s full effects won’t take effect until 1 January 2019, Italian gaming news agency Agimeg reported that Google’s notice has already resulted in Italian-licensed operators dropping down local search results, while international operators that serve the market without a local license have risen to the top.
Some operators, such as Stanleybet CEO Giovanni Garrisi, believe the Decree will be “changed at the parliamentary level.” And indeed, this week saw the Senate and Chamber of Deputies Studies Service submit a report suggested that the Decree’s absolute prohibition “does not appear compatible” with existing legislation upholding the legality of most gambling advertising.
Maarten Haijer, head of the European Gaming & Betting Association (EGBA), suggested the European Commission would step in if Italy’s parliament failed to act. In a letter sent to Brussels, Haijer claims Italy goofed by failing to notify the EU regarding the Decree, which should have been subject to the standard three-month “standstill” period, an omission that Haijer claims renders the Decree moot under EU law.
DI MAIO UNREPENTANT
Luigi Di Maio – Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister and champion of the Decree’s gambling smackdown – was challenged on a live TV debate this week by Vincenzo Boccia, president of the General Confederation of Italian Industry (Confindustria), regarding the effect the Decree would have on Italy’s gamblers.
Di Maio rejected Boccia’s suggestion that the Decree would achieve the opposite of its stated aims, saying that “I cannot be told that since I have eliminated the advertising of gambling, the illegal advertising is promoted. It is not.”
Boccia argued that “there is a game that is legal, which must be protected, and one that must be fought, with rules that must be respected … either gambling is everything and then everything must be closed or if there is a dimension of legality this must be protected, within certain rules.”
OPERATORS BITE BACK
Italian-licensed operators have expressed near-unanimity in their rejection of the new government’s approach. Kindred Group’s local head of gaming Cristiano Blanco called the ad ban “putting the dust under the carpet” while “delivering the [online game] to unauthorized operators.”
Alejandro Pascual, director of European operations for Spanish operator Codere, told InfoPlay that his company agreed with the Italian government’s objectives, but its methods “are not the most suitable” to achieving those objectives. Pascual claimed to have “repeatedly” invited government reps to engage in dialogue but “all of them have declined the invitation.”
Meanwhile, Massimilano Casella, CEO of Italian operator Microgame, issued a blistering statement via his Facebook page saying the government was treating gaming operators like “plague victims… with whom it is better not to deal with.” Casella said he was “astonished, embittered and worried about my employees, customers and users.”
Casella said that, as a responsible gaming operator, he recognised that “our industry, our companies grow if everyone plays one euro, not if a few sell the house to play.” Casella said he wanted to “work side by side” with the government to battle problem gambling, but this couldn’t happen “if our interlocutor is blind and deaf.”
Casella also mocked the government’s claims to care about gamblers, pointing out its plan to make up the expected tax shortfall from decreased online gambling by increasing taxes on land-based slots and video lottery terminals. “Is this the brilliant solution to stem this sad phenomenon?”
Casella closed his rant by suggesting that all Italian-licensed operators enact a “shutdown of all activities for 24/48 hours” to draw attention to the situation. Casella said the experience and skills of online operators “must and can be used for better regulation of the game.”
Source: calvinayre.com
Source: Latest News on European Gaming Media Network
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The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) on Tuesday, September 30, conducted an agency-wide orientation on the responsible use of Microsoft Copilot with governance safeguards in observance of Development Policy Research Month (DPRM).
Anchored on this year’s theme, “Reimagining Governance in the Age of AI,” the online session underscored the need to embrace artificial intelligence responsibly to ensure that innovation is balanced with accountability and transparency in the workplace.
The Microsoft Copilot Chat Masterclass was facilitated via Microsoft Teams by AI Workforce Specialist Christeen Padilla, with 98 employees from PAGCOR’s corporate offices and branches in attendance.
Padilla introduced Microsoft Copilot Chat, a secure AI-powered assistant designed to boost productivity through features such as drafting correspondence, summarizing reports, generating ideas, and answering work-related queries.
She also distinguished between the free Copilot Chat, which provides web-sourced responses, and the M365 Chat version, which delivers organization-specific replies.
Employees with an M365 Chat license can also access specialized tools such as Researcher, Analyst, Prompt Coach, Writing Coach, Idea Coach, Career Coach, Learning Coach, Surveys, and Microsoft 365 Admin.
Citing industry data, Padilla noted that 86 percent of AI-assisted chat application users in the Philippines had adopted Copilot in 2024, reflecting the country’s rapid shift toward AI-powered workplace solutions.
While highlighting Copilot’s potential to streamline tasks and improve efficiency, the orientation also placed strong emphasis on governance safeguards to ensure its responsible use. These include compliance with enterprise data protection standards, observance of organizational policies, and vigilance in distinguishing between web-based and internal data to protect sensitive information.
The post PAGCOR WORKERS BRIEFED ON SAFE USE OF AI CHAT TOOL appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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Broadway Gaming, a leading provider of online bingo and casino, today announced the appointment of Mark Cleary as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Founder and outgoing CEO David Butler will assume the role of Executive Chairman.
The leadership transition marks a key milestone in Broadway Gaming’s growth journey, positioning the company for its next phase of scale and strategic development.
“Mark is a deeply respected leader who has helped shape the success of Broadway Gaming,” said David. “This transition has been carefully planned, and I have full confidence in his ability to lead the company forward. As Executive Chairman, I’ll continue to be actively involved in driving our long-term vision, partnerships and potential mergers and acquisitions.”
Mark has served as COO since 2018, overseeing operations, compliance, payments and HR. Under his leadership, Broadway Gaming has expanded its footprint across key markets and delivered sustained growth and engagement.
“I’m honoured to take on the CEO role and lead an exceptional team,” said Mark.
“Broadway Gaming has an exciting future ahead, and I’m committed to building on the strong foundations that David has laid to deliver even greater value for our players, partners, and people.”
Broadway Gaming will continue to focus on innovation, customer experience, and responsible gaming as core pillars of its long-term strategy.
The post Broadway Gaming Announces Leadership Transition as COO Becomes CEO appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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Atlaslive, a leading B2B software company and iGaming platform provider, has entered into a partnership with Magnum, a financial institution in Brazil regulated by the Central Bank and focused on secure digital transactions.
This collaboration enables Atlaslive operators to offer an additional local payment option integrated directly into the Atlaslive platform. By doing so, it supports operators in regulated markets with secure, compliant, and fast payment flows tailored to Brazil.
“Expanding and diversifying payment access is central to our promise of flexibility,” said Milica Jovanovic, CBDO at Atlaslive. “By partnering with Magnum, we’re reinforcing our ability to help operators grow in Brazil with payment solutions that are reliable, transparent, and built for scale.”
Magnum, authorized by the Central Bank, brings proven expertise in digital banking and payment services. For operators, this means localized solutions aligned with Brazil’s financial regulations and digital economy.
“Joining forces with Atlaslive allows us to bring our technology to a wider network of operators,” said Mário Graziano, Head of Business Development. “We are excited to support secure, fast, and convenient payment journeys that align with Brazil’s evolving digital economy.”
The agreement reinforces Atlaslive’s growth in Latin America, where regulated payment options play a decisive role in compliance, licensing, and player trust.
About Atlaslive
Atlaslive is a B2B software company delivering a fully managed iGaming platform for regulated markets. Designed for fast launches, real-time control, and modular scalability, the platform supports operators across LATAM and EMEA.
About Magnum
Magnum SCD is a financial institution in Brazil authorized by the Central Bank to provide digital accounts, payments, and credit services. As a direct PIX participant and official Visa card issuer, Magnum enables instant and reliable transactions. Combining compliance, transparency, and innovation, Magnum offers payment infrastructure that supports sectors including betting, retail, and digital commerce.
This document is provided to you for your information and discussion only. This document was based on public sources of information and was created by the Atlaslive team for marketing usage. It is not a solicitation or an offer to buy or sell any gambling-related product. Nothing in this document constitutes legal or business development advice. This document has been prepared from sources Atlaslive believes to be reliable, but we do not guarantee its accuracy or completeness and do not accept liability for any loss arising from its use. Atlaslive reserves the right to remedy any errors that may be present in this document.
About Atlaslive
Atlaslive, formerly known as Atlas-IAC, underwent a rebranding campaign in May 2024. It is a B2B software development company that specializes in creating a multifunctional and automated platform to optimize the workflow of sports betting and casino operators. Key components of the Atlaslive Platform include Sportsbook, Casino, Risk Management and Anti-Fraud Tools, CRM, Bonus Engine, Business Analytics, Payment Systems, and Retail Module. Follow the company on LinkedIn to stay updated with the latest news in iGaming technology.
The post Atlaslive Partners with Magnum to Expand Local Payment Access in Brazil appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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