Edited by Joseph Malvisini

The online poker industry is on the verge of a transformation, with the gambling sector preparing for a restructuring while awaiting the new tender for the awarding of concessions, after a long period of stalemate. This change is gaining importance given the potential revenue for the treasury, reinforcing the government's view of the industry as both a "golden goose" and a risky sector requiring careful dialogue.

The issue of international liquidity resurfaces, potentially opening poker tournaments to foreign players. According to an article by Agimeg, considerable sums are at stake, with the state potentially earning approximately €30 million from a current tax rate of 25% on a potential turnover of approximately €300 million.

This prospect seems to satisfy all parties involved: the treasury, the operators who could broaden their user base by allowing Italian players to participate in international tournaments and the casinos in organizing large events, all this at no additional cost to the players.

Compliance with national regulations ensures player protection, allowing them to operate only through ADM-authorized dealers and following responsible gaming guidelines. This model has already been tested in Spain, Portugal, and France since 2018, according to Agimeg. Expanding the user base would allow players to play for extended periods with minimal entry fees, without additional expenses.

However, significant concerns arise for those involved in prevention in the sector. The management of financial flows and money transfers, especially involving players from high-risk countries or Russia, could conflict with current international sanctions, a possibility not covered by gaming legislation.

Furthermore, although the expansion of player numbers aims to improve match-fixing prevention, the difficulty of managing risk indicators associated with international networking appears to be underestimated. If such measures are adopted, the role of gaming platform operators in poker tournaments will be crucial, as they are currently the only ones capable of managing and understanding the interconnected operations of the various participants.

As you can see, the advantages are numerous, but not without challenges.