Football is of huge popularity in Italy, and not only as a type of entertainment. The Football Federation of Italy registered more than a million members only in 2019, and their number is surely rising. Moreover, 60% of the Italian population claims to track football events and industries. Italians bet using independent bookmakers, local betting sites, and offline offices.
Independent sites are, actually, a separate topic to discuss. Local betting platforms indeed do a lot for a local football community, but their sponsorships were recently banned. Moreover, obtaining a license may be challenging in 2024. But let’s break it down in a logical order.
Betting Landscape in Italy: Why Independent Sites Are Popular
First of all, yes, betting is legal in Italy. The AAMS authority controls local online and offline betting and is also in charge of licensing. But receiving a license in Italy is too complicated now. The country experiences serious troubles with irresponsible gambling behaviour, which is why the government is extremely strict in these terms.
To be a licensed betting platform in Italy, you need a huge income, anti-laundering measures, the best possible technical protection, and so on. All this to be banned for advertising yourself! Indeed, gambling platforms in Italy are banned from sponsoring football leagues. Thus, football teams cannot promote betting as well. All these factors led to the appearance of independent betting platforms such as Rolletto Betting Site that become popular nowadays. They are not registered in Italy, but their target audience is sports bettors in the country. See how they influence the landscape.
How Independent Betting Develops the Football Industry in Italy
There is one thing you should understand. The development of betting means the development of sports and vice versa. Those two fields are strongly connected and help each other to supplement the budget. That is why AAMS’s strict policy is concerning for many experts and football leagues. They turn to independent platforms for help, and it works.
Small Teams Sponsorship
Yes, the return of betting sponsors is possible. In 2019, AAMS prohibited all betting sites from sponsoring football leagues. But in January 2024, there were some leaks about the law repeal. While bid local platforms support football teams and even huge associations (Serie A, for example), independent sites may help small teams. The local football in Italy needs more money, but it is simply not beneficial for the state. Independent platforms with small audiences may support some local football companies and teams, helping them to develop.
More Betting Options
While local betting sites are regulated, independent platforms feel more freedom. They offer more betting options and more markets. The sites cover sports all over the world, not only in Italy. Also, the amount of betting options usually includes all possible variants:
- Win bet
- Point spread
- Handicap
- Parlay
- Over/under totals, etc
This approach educates Italian bettors and offers them more options. As knowledge rises, demand for local platforms also rises. As a result, it leads to the total market development.
Alternative Analysis and Odds
You see, Italian sports experts are usually focused on Italian soccer. In the same way, all the local experts support their own teams and are often biased. Meanwhile, independent platforms with global access offer betting options and odds based on world statistics. Visiting them, you can see more versatile forecasts and access some new points of view. This provides fans with a wider vision of the game and educates society.
Innovations in Betting Products
Competition always leads to innovations. The same thing is now happening with sports betting. New sites with foreign registration do everything possible to attract more visitors. They develop better websites, offer mobile betting, and provide new interfaces to make betting easier. It is not only about gambling – such an approach develops the digital sphere.
Price Competition
Independent bookmakers often offer better bonuses, odds, and money awards. While it attracts more and more people in Italy, the local betting sites should also soften the conditions. With the help of such competition, Italians may get better conditions for betting and choose among different options.
Some Negative Aspects
Sure, there are risks and negative sides as well. First of all, such platforms are available for self-excluded bettors. It means that a person who fights gambling addiction can still bet. Also, such sites value gambling more than sports themselves. It may lead to imbalanced behaviour. While the local betting market is created to supplement the budget and entertain the locals, independent sites are focused on betting and winning way more.
Finally, such platforms don’t pay taxes to the Italian budget. While local platforms are dedicated to developing the Italian sports industry, these sites don’t pay any authority. To prevent this, it is advised to balance the usage of independent and local betting sites.
Conclusion
In conclusion, independent betting sites, though existing in a legal grey area, contribute significantly to Italian football culture. From sponsoring smaller teams to offering diverse betting options like football betting apps, and fostering a global betting perspective, these platforms play a role in the sport’s development. However, concerns remain regarding responsible gambling practices and lost tax revenue. Finding a balance between independent and local platforms through potential regulatory adjustments could optimize the Italian football ecosystem, ensuring financial support for all levels of the sport while prioritizing responsible betting practices.
