Italy’s proposed ban on all gambling advertising and sponsorships won’t apply to existing contracts or national lottery operations.

On Monday, Italy’s new coalition government submitted its so-called Dignity Decree to a parliamentary committee for approval. The decree stipulates that “any form” of gambling advertising, “even indirect … is prohibited; however carried out and on any means, including sporting, cultural or artistic events, television or radio broadcasts, daily and periodical press, general publications, billboards and internet.”

As previously revealed, the ban would take effect on January 1, 2019, although the latest draft submitted to the committee includes a carveout for advertising contracts between operators, media outlets and sports bodies “in progress at the date of entry into force of this decree.” National deferred lotteries will also be exempt from the ban.

DI MAIO TELLS LEOVEGAS TO (CIGARETTE) BUTT OUT