The Italian Competition and Market Guarantee Authority (Agcom) imposed a fine of 1.35 million euros on the company Twitter International Unlimited Company, owner of the social network X, for violating the ban on advertising betting games.
The decision was taken at a meeting held on March 6 and later announced in a note by Agcom.
7 betting sites were excluded by court order
According to the statement, Agcom identified nine violations, each on a different account, all of which were verified with the platform’s blue seal of authenticity.
The violations occurred due to the dissemination of advertising content from websites that offer games and bets with cash prizes.
During the investigation, the platform deleted only seven of the identified accounts, while the other two had their access inhibited by order of Agcom. Furthermore, the agency determined the exclusion of other similar content.
This is not the first time that Italy has taken action against sports betting advertising. Several platforms received fines, such as:
- YouTube, which received fines of 750 thousand and 450 thousand euros
- Google, fined 2.25 million euros
- Twitch, fined 900 thousand euros
- Meta, fined 5.58 million and 750 thousand euros.
Betting is legalized in Italy, advertising on X and social networks is monitored
Sports betting is legal in Italy. The country has a regulatory system for gaming, which allows these activities to be carried out legally.
However, companies need to follow the laws and regulations established by the competent authorities.
However, even though it is not prohibited, the Italian authorities strictly monitor the advertising of betting games on X, Youtube, Meta and other networks. Thus, restrictions aim to protect consumers and prevent problems related to excessive gambling.
