Italy Online Gambling: March 2011 Is Here

Clearly, the UK leads all European countries in legalizing, regulating, and bringing respectability to online gambling. Italy, in taking careful yet determined steps towards legalizing its own online gambling industry, is a close second.

Three years since setting on liberalizing its policy towards online cash games, a landmark day has arrived. Although most news from Italy seem to involve Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi - "scandal", "women" and the 18-year old Karima El Mahroug, aka "Ruby" are tied to web searches for Berlusconi - March is when online casino and poker cash games are actually legal in the country.

The Law

The relevant legal decree was published in February 2011, but will be applicable only now. The first sites to offer cash games are made available these days.

Online poker, the first to be allowed for cash online, is limited with two major provisions:

• Online poker satellite and tournaments are allowed up to €250, and
• At least 90% of the amount collected from players must be paid back.

Italy's government charges a 20% tax on gross gaming receipts.

The European Market

Italy is prepared to tap into the European online gambling industry, estimated at $12.5 billion.

Other countries likely to liberalize their laws and join in on the fun are Germany, Spain and Switzerland, among others.

For a list of online poker rooms and casinos that are available in Italian, visit Online Casino Reports Italy.