Italian government officials have imposed further lockdown restrictions on the country, putting the brakes on the recovery of the local casino industry. Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte announced that Italy would go into a second lockdown period until the November 24.

The move is a blow to the country’s casino and gaming industry as they struggle to stage an economic recovery in the last quarter of 2020. The restrictions include the full closure of bars and restaurants until 6:00 pm on weekdays, and full closures on Sundays. Businesses deemed to be non-essential have also been instructed to shut-down by the government.

Despite the restrictions, the gaming industry is still afloat; local residents can purchase lotto tickets at local outlets under strict social distancing guidelines.

Italian gaming operators have expressed their discontent with the latest lockdown rules. The main trade bodies for the gambling industry in Italy have gone on the offensive, lobbying for a swift end to the lockdown in local media outlets.