It’s now official – gambling advertising in Italy is no more. The country’s parliament passed a bill banning all gambling advertising by a close 155-125 vote this past Tuesday. Going forward, no gambling products can be advertised on the TV, radio or Internet.

Not only is gambling advertising now outlawed, so are sports sponsorships. Of course, in typically “we’re better than you” government fashion, the national lottery – operated by the government – is exempt from the new legislation.

The decision comes after a push by Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister and head of the Populist 5 Star movement, Luigi Di Maio. He first submitted his advertising ban “Dignity Decree” in June and, after the bill passed, said, “This is the first decree for decades that hasn’t been dictated by lobbies and vested interests. Finally ordinary people have scored a point.”

The ban technically goes into effect on January 1 next year. However, any company that has a current contract that isn’t set to expire until after that date will be given an extension until June 30.