According to Gaming Intelligence Group, AAMS, the Italian regulator for online gaming, is seeking to license and regulate a wider range of games including cash games, and also provide extra betting options.
For the first five months of 2009, Italians spent €1.5 billion on online gaming, up 186 percent on the same time in 2008. In May, online poker and skill games saw gross gaming revenues of €199.7 million. This figure represents a whopping 59 percent of total Italian online gaming spend.
With the influence of online poker, revenues have surged dramatically, and the move to create even more poker attractions is also part of a strategic plan to source funds for reconstruction projects in Abruzzo. Abruzzo was shattered by L’Aquila earthquake in April, where it is said 297 died.
Francesco Rodano, Head of Remote Gaming at AAMS, said that the new measures would further safeguard players and problem gamblers while helping to support reconstruction efforts in the region.
