Introduction to Responsible Gaming
On Thursday, 11 September, a study called “Responsible Gaming and Young People Under 25: motivations, contexts and intervention strategies” was presented at the Senate’s Sala Caduti di Nassirya. This study was promoted by the FAIR Foundation – ETS and conducted by the Economic Psychology Research Unit of the Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore. One of the speakers was Massimiliano Capitanio, Commissioner at the Italian Communications Authority (Agcom), who talked about the regulatory framework and the role of communication in the gaming sector.
The Legacy of the “Dignity Decree”
The “Dignity Decree” (Decree Law 87/2018) introduced a ban on gambling advertising in 2019. Capitanio said that from the beginning, the government pointed out some critical issues with the ban. One of the problems was that the sanctions for violating the ban were too harsh and could not be adjusted. For example, a content creator was recently fined €157,000 for multiple infringements. The matter was even brought before the Constitutional Court by a tribunal.
A Ban with Ambiguous Effects
According to Capitanio, the total advertising ban has had mixed results. While it stopped promotional campaigns, it also prevented the launch of information initiatives on responsible gaming. This made it harder to distinguish between legal and illegal operators. The Commissioner noted that the most significant betting scandals in recent years have been linked to unauthorized platforms. Despite this, Agcom has applied the ban rigorously, sanctioning not only online platforms and publishers but also creators on digital channels like X, Twitch, and YouTube.
Digital Addictions and Cultural Challenges
Capitanio talked about how digital addictions go beyond the gaming sector. Young people encounter similar reward mechanisms through microtransactions in video games, on social media, and across streaming platforms. He argued that digital and civic education must be the foundation of any prevention policy. This is because young people are exposed to various forms of digital addiction, and it’s essential to teach them how to use technology responsibly.
The Importance of Parental Control
The Commissioner also mentioned a free parental control filter for SIM cards registered to minors, introduced in November 2023. This tool blocks access to prohibited content, including pornography, alcohol, tobacco, and gambling. However, only around half a million families have activated it, leaving many minors still able to access risky material. Data from mobile operators shows that among under-18s, gambling is the second most frequently blocked category, after anonymizers and ahead of pornographic content.
Towards a New Season of Prevention
Capitanio concluded that it’s essential to update tools and strategies to prevent digital addiction and promote responsible gaming. The 2019 guidelines linked to the Dignity Decree did not include references to responsible gaming, but today operators are required to invest in this field. Campaigns to raise awareness and the active involvement of families are crucial, as the protection of young people depends on the responsible use of technology. Ensuring genuinely responsible gaming cannot be achieved by banning advertising alone; it requires building an ecosystem that combines regulation, education, and digital awareness.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the study on responsible gaming and the presentation by Massimiliano Capitanio highlight the need for a comprehensive approach to preventing digital addiction and promoting responsible gaming among young people. This includes updating regulatory frameworks, investing in digital and civic education, and encouraging the active involvement of families. By working together, we can create a safer and more responsible gaming environment for everyone.
