In Italy, gambling with monetary winnings is marked by strong polarisation, fragmented regulation and a rapid technological shift that has profoundly changed how gambling is accessed and experienced. In this context, analysing stakeholders’ perceptions of responsible gambling is essential to understand not only levels of awareness, but also the gap between declared principles, operational practices and social expectations. The views of institutions, operators and civil society directly influence regulatory choices, market dynamics and the effectiveness of player protection measures. Without a structured assessment of these perceptions, public debate risks remaining ideological, while prevention and protection policies struggle to translate into coherent and effective action.
Observatory on Responsible Gambling: Key Findings from Italy
The Ipsos research promoted by Fondazione FAIR provides an in-depth analysis of perceptions, expectations and structural tensions within the Italian gambling system. The study offers a snapshot of how gambling is viewed today in Italy, highlighting social, economic and regulatory challenges as seen by the main stakeholders involved.
The research adopts a mixed qualitative and quantitative approach and is based on 138 interviews conducted in Italy. Sixty in-depth interviews involved institutional stakeholders—including representatives of the Catholic world and the third sector, consumer associations, policymakers, academic experts and concession holders—while a further 78 interviews were conducted with industry operators, primarily owners and managers of betting and gaming venues.
The findings reveal a shared perception of profound transformation driven by digitalisation, market concentration and technological innovation. While there is widespread acknowledgement of the need for more responsible and long-term–oriented models, the research highlights a significant gap between stated principles and their practical implementation.
Two main interpretative profiles emerge. On one side, a critical view focused on pathological risks, social costs and systemic weaknesses; on the other, a more pragmatic perspective that frames gambling as a regulated form of entertainment, seeking a balance between business sustainability and ethical responsibility. These positions coexist within the Italian debate but rarely converge.
Negative perceptions remain dominant. Gambling is largely associated with addiction, distress, risk and financial loss, while its connection to entertainment continues to weaken.
Respondents identify several structural drivers of change, including the uncontrolled growth of supply, increasing concentration among large operators, accelerated digitalisation and economic instability. More than half of those interviewed struggle to foresee tangible improvements in the near future, expressing concern about rising risks for vulnerable players.
Awareness of the concept of responsible gambling is high (94% among operators and 87% among institutions), but interpretations differ significantly. Operators tend to emphasise individual responsibility and self-control, while institutional stakeholders stress collective responsibility and stronger public–private collaboration. Despite this widespread awareness, effective application remains limited, particularly within institutional contexts (71%).
There is broad consensus on the need to strengthen player protection, invest in prevention and promote a more conscious approach to gambling. Current Italian legislation (Decree Law 41) is poorly understood, reinforcing calls for a unified national regulatory framework, improved traceability and transparency, and specific safeguards for younger audiences.
Overall, the Ipsos–Fondazione FAIR research underscores the need for a coordinated and integrated approach involving institutions, operators, the third sector and research bodies in Italy. Without stronger shared accountability, strategic guidelines risk remaining declarative rather than translating into concrete and measurable outcomes.
