CJEU rules in favour of Italian restraints

The Court of Justice of the European Union has ruled in favour of the rigidly-controlled Italian framework for lotteries, whilst considering the case of Malta-based StanleyBet.

The judgement on case C-375/17, which was submitted for consideration 18 months previously, found the concessionaire model was in line with EU regulation, a victory for the European Lotteries and Toto Association.
“The CJEU has clearly recognised that an exclusive concessionaire model, as chosen by the Italian legislator, is legitimate in order to promote responsible management of the lottery,” said EL secretary general Arjan van’t Veer.
“The judgment points to the particularities of our sector where restrictions can be put in place in the general interest and which must be kept free from companies that have been referred to a criminal court. EL welcomes the confirmation in this ruling.”
The ruling goes on to say that games similar to lotto, without specific authorisation, may be actively prohibited by the Italian government.