It is an understatement to say that the current situation in the Italian AWP market is dramatic. A few days after the end of this year’s ATEI, it became more and more evident that one of the most important markets in Europe has been reduced to a shadow of its former self.
Although official data is not currentlty available for the number of installations of those machines technically known as “Comma 7”, it is certain that in the last year the revenue derived from this type of machine has registered a near total crash. In 2005, the Italian public spent 764 million Euros on video games and slot machines without any monetary prizes. Just a year later that figure has dropped to 208 million Euros. The reason for this sad decline certainly cannot be attributed to a loss of interest by the Italian people, who are apparently still keen to appreciate the offerings in gaming halls, in bowling alleys and in FECS (family entertainment centres) spread around the country. Instead, the drop in receipts can rather more be attributed to the real inability to launch new products on to the market. This inability derives from the difficulties in obtaining homologations and then the necessary permits to install the machines. “This is a paradoxical situation” claimed Cristina Zanotti, president of the Italian Gaming Halls Association “At the time of a downturn in the economy we are asking to be able to invest in our activities: but absurd bureaucratic hurdles and a widespread lack of interest in our sector make it impossible to invest. “We are tired of waiting and watching what is happening. If no action is taken and we do not receive positive indications from the Authorities that regulate the sector, we may decide to take legal steps.” Some indication may come soon. In the last few weeks, during a Conference on public gaming, Roberto Salerno, Member of Parliament (Alleanza Nazionale) and member of the Sixth Finance Commission in the Lower House, has urged a positive political stance in favour of the sector of slot machines without monetary prizes. “Gaming halls in Italy, and especially those situated in the areas of interest to tourists, are an important presence, and one not to be undervalued. Politicians and law makers have a duty to guarantee support and dignity to the sector operators,” he said. The same principle has been voiced by Francesco Tolotti, vice president of the Finance Commission in the Italian Lower House, who during a visit to January’s ATEI show in London has reiterated the need not to take an approach that is aimed solely at raising tax revenues from the gaming sector but to pay greater attention to a sector that has been really neglected in the last few years. “The gaming halls on our Rivieras are a resource and bring added value, in addition to being the result of the hard work and dedication of so many operators. This cannot be considered as a second division sector for ever.”
Will you be visiting the InterGame Expo?
- 30 September - 02 October, 2008
BEGE 2008 - Bulgaria
