Heavy handed regulation could be having an unintended effect on the gambling industry. This was the opinion given by Bepi Pezzulli, general counsel of SKS365, Italy’s biggest sports book, in comments made to local Italian media and reported on by SBC News.

Italy’s political leadership, currently run by a coalition named Lega-5Star, has placed a blanket ban on gambling advertising and sponsorships, which started in January, and will sunset existing deals by the end of June.

Pezzulli said that ban was already impacting operations, and would have negative impact’s the government did not foresee. He told the press:

“The Italian political environment is unfavourable to the gaming industry, especially due to its mistaken communication strategy. There are many issues that have been overlooked such as lower league sports clubs and organisations living on sponsorships alone. The execution of the Decree has been poor on this aspect. It is of note that the regulated industry forms a protection against illegality.”